Object Addressable Storage Content Management via Metadata Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed computer systems face challenges in managing content units across geographically dispersed computers, including ambiguity in file identification and routing content effectively, as traditional file systems are not globally unique and do not account for the physical and logical storage locations of content units.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an object addressable storage (OAS) system that uses object identifiers independent of physical and logical storage locations, along with metadata management policies to determine storage locations and manage content units, such as using a blob/CDF architecture to associate metadata with content units for effective management and migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional file systems are used for storing content units in distributed systems, then the system structure is simple, but file identification becomes ambiguous and routing becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into distinct components: content units with unique object identifiers, metadata units storing management information, and a separate metadata management facility. This segmentation enables precise content identification through object identifiers while organizing system complexity into manageable, specialized components rather than a monolithic file system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary layer between content units and the management system. Metadata units store object identifiers and management policy information, acting as a mediator that enables efficient routing and management decisions without requiring the content itself to carry management overhead, thus improving identification precision while managing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If content units are migrated between different OAS systems, then storage flexibility improves, but tracking and managing content locations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing metadata about content units (including object identifiers and management policy information) in metadata units before content migration occurs. This pre-established metadata infrastructure enables the system to track and manage content locations even as content moves between OAS systems, preventing loss of location information while maintaining storage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The metadata management facility provides feedback mechanisms that track content units across the distributed system. By maintaining and updating metadata information about content locations and management policies, the system gains visibility into content migration events, enabling effective tracking and management decisions while preserving content storage flexibility.
3Productivity
If metadata is stored separately from content units, then management efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage into distinct content units and metadata units, with the metadata management facility separately managing the metadata. This segmentation improves management efficiency by allowing independent access and manipulation of metadata (such as object identifiers and management policies) without moving content, while organizing system complexity into specialized, manageable components with clear responsibilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to implementing management policy in a computer system. The management policy may be applied to a first content unit by using metadata associated with first content unit to manage storage of or access to the first content unit. The metadata associated with the first content unit may be stored in a second content unit that includes in its content, an identifier that identifies the first content unit.