Flexible Copy Volumes with Differentiated Operation Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems are limited by the inflexibility of operations that can be applied to flexible copy volumes, leading to resource inefficiencies and the need for users to maintain large numbers of snapshots, which consume significant resources.
Innovation Solution
Allowing different sets of operations to be applied to different flexible copy volumes, enabling users to delete unnecessary volumes more frequently and reduce the number of maintained volumes, thereby conserving resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same set of operations is applied to all flexible copy volumes, then operational simplicity is maintained, but the robustness and usefulness of the volumes are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uniform operation set into multiple differentiated operation sets (first set, second set, third set, etc.), where each flexible copy volume can be associated with a specific operation set. This allows different volumes to have different operational capabilities based on their intended use cases, thereby improving robustness while maintaining operational simplicity through structured categorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability where flexible copy volumes can be selectively associated with different operation sets based on their purpose. This dynamic assignment allows the system to adapt operational permissions to specific volume requirements, enhancing versatility without compromising ease of operation through automated management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple snapshots are maintained to observe trends through repeated operations, then trend analysis capability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes flexible copy volumes multi-functional by allowing different operation sets to be applied to the same volume at different times. A single volume can serve multiple testing purposes (e.g., upgrade checks, bug fixes, data verification) by dynamically assigning appropriate operation sets, eliminating the need to maintain separate snapshots for each testing scenario and thereby reducing resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (operation sets) associated with flexible copy volumes rather than creating new volumes for different testing needs. By modifying which operation sets are applied to existing volumes, the system enables diverse testing scenarios without increasing the quantity of stored data, thus improving trend analysis capability while conserving resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of flexible copy volumes are maintained to enable different operations, then operational flexibility is improved, but resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments operational flexibility into differentiated operation sets that can be selectively applied to flexible copy volumes. Instead of creating multiple volumes with identical capabilities, the system divides operations into distinct sets (first set, second set, third set, etc.) and assigns them to volumes based on specific needs, maintaining flexibility while reducing the total number of volumes required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables timely deletion of flexible copy volumes by providing diverse operation sets that allow volumes to fulfill multiple purposes. When a volume has completed its primary function, it can be deleted and its resources recovered, while the same operation set can be applied to other volumes as needed, thus maintaining operational flexibility without permanently consuming resources for multiple specialized volumes.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more of the provisions set forth herein, data can be managed in a data storage system in an efficient manner. In one example, a first flexible copy volume of data is generated based on a snapshot copy volume of a flexible volume containing the data. The first flexible copy volume is configured to be operated upon according to a first set of operations. A second flexible copy of the data is also generated based on the snapshot copy volume. The second flexible copy volume is configured to be operated upon according to a second set of operations that differs from the first set of operations. Having a second copy of the data allows testing or other operations to be performed on the data while also maintaining an original version of the data.