Keyword-Based File Migration Ordering for Faster Tape Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing files stored on linear tape file systems can be slower than expected, leading to potential timeouts, especially when using applications intended for hard disk drives without modification, necessitating the use of hierarchical storage management systems with high-speed primary storage and secondary tape storage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that involves natural language processing to extract keywords from files, ordering migration based on the number of keywords, and writing files with more keywords closer to the tape reader to optimize access times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If files are migrated to secondary tape storage, then storage capacity is improved, but file access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating file placement locations on the tape based on access frequency characteristics. Frequently accessed files (identified by keyword density) are positioned at optimal locations closer to the tape reader, while less frequently accessed files are placed in other areas. This creates non-uniform quality distribution across the tape storage medium, optimizing access speed for critical files while maintaining high storage capacity.
2Speed
If files are written closer to the tape reader, then file access speed is improved, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tape storage medium into different zones based on proximity to the tape reader. The analysis module divides files into categories based on keyword density, and the ordering module places different segments of the file set into different physical zones on the tape. This segmentation allows the system to optimize access speed for high-priority files in accessible zones while utilizing distant zones for lower-priority files, thereby maintaining overall storage capacity.
3Speed
If natural language processing is applied to extract keywords, then file access speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing natural language processing and keyword extraction on files during the migration process. The analysis module autonomously analyzes file contents, extracts keywords, determines keyword density, and generates ordering information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach manages the processing complexity internally while delivering the benefit of optimized file placement for faster access.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method includes identifying a set of target files to be migrated from a primary storage to a secondary storage, extracting text data from the set of target files, identifying a set of keywords corresponding to the extracted text data from the set of target files, determining a number of keyword appearances in each file of the set of target files, assigning an order of migration corresponding to the set of target files such that the target files are written to the secondary storage in order of decreasing number of keywords, and migrating the files to the secondary storage according to the assigned order of migration. The method may additionally include writing the files with the greatest number of keywords closest to the default position of the tape reader. A computer program product and computer system corresponding to the method are also disclosed herein.


