Multi-Target Storage Relation Deletion via Data Inheritance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data replication methods, such as IBM's Flash Copy, face performance issues in cascaded or multi-target configurations due to increased wait times for writes as the number of volumes grows, leading to slow writes and inefficient data duplication, which is mitigated by limiting the number of targets to maintain acceptable performance.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to delete relations between sources and targets in multi-target architectures by identifying a target, copying data to a sibling target, and then deleting the relation, thereby reducing the need for multiple copies during writes and improving performance by allowing writes to proceed after a single copy is made.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of target volumes is increased in multi-target configuration, then data replication coverage is improved, but write performance deteriorates due to increased wait times for data copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data copying operations by implementing an inheritance mechanism where sibling target volumes inherit data from each other. When a write operation occurs to a target volume, the data is copied to sibling targets that inherit from it, consolidating the replication process and reducing the performance impact on write operations while maintaining comprehensive data coverage across multiple targets.
2Reliability
If data is copied to multiple target volumes during write operations, then data redundancy is improved, but write speed deteriorates due to sequential copying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing inheritance relationships between target volumes before write operations occur. The system pre-configures which targets inherit from which, using generation numbers and sibling relationships to define the inheritance hierarchy in advance. This allows write operations to proceed without real-time calculation of copy destinations, improving write speed while maintaining data redundancy through the pre-defined inheritance structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relations are deleted in cascaded configurations, then system flexibility is improved, but data loss risk increases for sibling targets that inherit from the deleted target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through target bit maps that track which data tracks have been copied to each target volume. When a relation is deleted, the system uses these bit maps to identify and copy necessary data from the deleted target to its sibling targets before finalizing the deletion. This feedback-driven approach ensures data safety is maintained while allowing system flexibility through relation deletion.
4Productivity
If the number of copies required for writes is reduced, then write performance is improved, but data inheritance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediaries in the form of generation numbers and sibling relationships that mediate the data inheritance process. Instead of direct complex many-to-many copying relationships, the system uses generation numbers as intermediaries to organize targets into hierarchical generations, and sibling relationships as intermediaries to define inheritance patterns. This intermediary structure simplifies the inheritance logic while enabling reduced copy requirements for improved write performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deleting a relation between a source and a target in a multi-target architecture is described. The multi-target architecture includes a source and multiple targets mapped thereto. In one embodiment, such a method includes initially identifying a relation for deletion from the multi-target architecture. A target associated with the relation is then identified. The method then identifies a sibling target that inherits data from the target. Once the target and the sibling target are identified, the method copies the data from the target to the sibling target. The relation between the source and the target is then deleted. A corresponding computer program product is also disclosed and claimed herein.