RDBMS Cloud Storage Metadata Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud storage implementations are inefficient for searching and debugging due to the distributed nature of storage folders across multiple servers and locations, which complicates data management and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is used as the underlying technology for cloud storage, allowing for a structured schema and transparent integration with application servers, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of files by separating non-content and content information into distinct database tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cloud storage folders are distributed across multiple servers and locations, then storage capacity and availability are improved, but search efficiency and debuggability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized RDBMS as an intermediary layer between the distributed file storage system and the user/application. This RDBMS maintains a unified view of all files across multiple servers and locations, enabling efficient searching and debugging without requiring direct access to the distributed storage infrastructure. The RDBMS acts as a mediator that translates user search requests into appropriate queries across the distributed system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into two distinct components: a distributed file storage layer for capacity and availability, and a centralized RDBMS layer for metadata management and search. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
2Reliability
If cloud storage folders are distributed across multiple servers and locations, then storage capacity and availability are improved, but debuggability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RDBMS serves as a debugging intermediary by providing a centralized interface for inspecting and troubleshooting the distributed storage system. Developers and administrators can query the RDBMS to understand file locations, storage status, and system state without needing to manually inspect multiple distributed servers, significantly improving debuggability while maintaining the distributed architecture's availability benefits.
3Productivity
If a RDBMS is used to organize file metadata and content, then searchability and debuggability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the RDBMS's universal capabilities to handle multiple functions: metadata storage, search indexing, debugging information, and file location tracking. By using a single multi-functional system rather than separate specialized systems for each function, the overall system complexity is managed more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the metadata management function with the existing distributed file storage system by introducing the RDBMS as a unified layer. This combining approach allows the system to maintain the simplicity of the original distributed storage while adding enhanced search and debugging capabilities through the RDBMS integration.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method and an apparatus of using a relational database as an underlying structure of file storage are provided to receive a file and store non-content information associated with the file in a row of a first relational database table. If the content associated with the file is binary content then the content associated with the file is stored in a second relational database table else the content associated with the file is stored in a third relational database table.