Host-Centric Storage Provisioner for SAN Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage provisioning in SAN systems is complex and inefficient due to the need for multiple procedures and disparate tools, which lack data sharing and a unified user interface, leading to manual data transfer and extraneous choices for system administrators.
Innovation Solution
A storage consumer-centric storage provisioner that performs discovery to acquire topological and component information, contextualizes it to the perspective of the storage consumer, and presents relevant configuration parameters for selection, eliminating inaccessible options, thereby streamlining the provisioning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disparate tools are used for storage provisioning procedures, then comprehensive storage provisioning capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual data transfer between tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple disparate storage provisioning tools into a single unified tool that performs all provisioning procedures. This unified tool integrates host identification, storage device location, volume creation, and LUN mapping capabilities in one interface, eliminating the need for manual data transfer between separate tools and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning tool is designed with multi-functionality to handle various storage provisioning tasks through a single interface. It can identify host characteristics, locate storage devices, create volumes, and perform LUN mapping all within one tool, making it universally applicable to different provisioning procedures without requiring multiple specialized tools.
2Loss of information
If all system components are presented to the user during provisioning, then complete system information is available, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extraneous choices
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning tool applies local quality by filtering and presenting only the specific system components and options that are relevant to the selected storage consumer. Instead of showing all system components universally, it tailors the information display to the local context of each host, showing only accessible storage devices and appropriate configuration options for that specific host.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool inverts the traditional approach by not presenting all system components to all users. Instead, it starts with the storage consumer and automatically determines which components are accessible and relevant, then presents only those. This inversion eliminates extraneous choices while maintaining complete information about accessible resources.
3Reliability
If manual data transfer between tools is required, then data accuracy can be verified, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple provisioning tools into one unified tool, the system automatically maintains and transfers data between different provisioning functions without manual intervention. The unified tool shares data and context internally across all its functions, eliminating manual data transfer while maintaining data accuracy through automated consistency management.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning tool implements feedback mechanisms that automatically verify and maintain data accuracy across different provisioning functions. As data is collected and processed through various provisioning steps, the tool provides automated feedback to ensure consistency and accuracy, replacing manual verification while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system and method for provisioning a storage consumer with storage in a SAN networked computer system are disclosed. A SAN networked computer system may include one or more consumers of storage, such as host computers, a plurality of storage devices, and one or more SAN fabrics including the devices needed to connect the storage consumers to the storage devices. The system may also include a storage consumer-centric storage provisioner. To provide a storage consumer with storage, the storage consumer-centric storage provisioner may perform discovery on the system to acquire topologic information on the system along with the characteristics of system components. The storage provisioner may contextualize the information into the perspective of the storage consumer to present a user with candidate system configuration parameters from which to select, and when sufficient parameter selections have been input, the provisioner may configure the system according to the user selections.