Hierarchical Storage Control Apparatus for Automated Data Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems require manual processing to select appropriate storage media based on varying data operation policies, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and cost management across multiple data centers.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical storage management system with a control apparatus that calculates and compares power consumption, cost, and communication time for different storage media across data centers to automatically select a medium matching the operation policy for each data set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual processing is used to select storage media based on data operation policies, then storage selection can be customized for each data type, but it requires a great deal of time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically selecting appropriate storage media for data based on operation policies without human intervention. The hierarchical storage control apparatus autonomously evaluates data characteristics and matches them with suitable storage resources across multiple data centers, eliminating the need for manual processing while maintaining customized storage selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual processing system with an automated computational system. The hierarchical storage control apparatus uses calculation units to automatically evaluate data operation policies and select storage media, substituting human manual operations with automated information processing and decision-making algorithms.
2Loss of energy
If data is stored in appropriate storage media according to operation policies, then power consumption and costs can be reduced, but manual processing is required which increases time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by automatically selecting storage media that match data operation policies, thereby reducing power consumption and costs without requiring manual intervention. The hierarchical storage control apparatus autonomously optimizes energy efficiency by placing data in appropriate storage tiers based on access patterns and policy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the hierarchical storage control apparatus continuously monitors data access patterns, operation policy compliance, and resource utilization. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of storage allocations to optimize power consumption while maintaining operational efficiency without manual oversight.
3Productivity
If automated selection of storage media is implemented, then processing time is reduced, but calculation of power consumption, cost, and communication time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the automated storage selection process into distinct calculation components: power consumption calculation, cost calculation, and communication time calculation. Each component is handled by dedicated functional units within the hierarchical storage control apparatus, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall computation time while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing information about storage media characteristics, power consumption rates, cost structures, and communication speeds. This preparatory work enables rapid automated selection decisions without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby improving productivity while managing computational complexity through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
In a hierarchical storage management system including: a hierarchical storage that is provided in an individual data center and has at least one storage medium; and a hierarchical storage control apparatus that manages at least one hierarchical storage, the hierarchical storage control apparatus includes a calculation unit that performs processing for obtaining, for individual data managed by the hierarchical storage control apparatus, a storage medium in a data center that satisfies an operation policy by calculating power consumption needed for storing the data, a cost needed for storing the data, and communication time for transferring the data from a data center to a reference source area and by comparing the calculated power consumption, cost, and communication time with the operation policy set for the data.