Rule Execution Module for Automated Object Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses face challenges in manually managing the placement of data objects across distributed storage systems, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and lacks flexibility, necessitating a system to automate object placement based on user-defined rules.
Innovation Solution
A storage grid system that allows users to specify rules for object placement using metadata attributes, determining the appropriate storage devices, number of copies, and retention time, with a rule execution module that automatically moves or queues objects to comply with these rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual management of object placement is used, then users can have direct control over object placement decisions, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the information lifecycle management system automatically evaluates objects against configured rules and performs placement decisions without human intervention. The rule execution module continuously monitors objects and automatically moves them between storage devices based on matching rule criteria, eliminating manual management while maintaining policy compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary rule execution module that acts as a mediator between user-defined policies and actual object placement operations. This module translates high-level placement rules into automated actions, serving as an intelligent intermediary that reduces both manual effort and placement errors by systematically applying configured policies.
2Productivity
If automated rule-based placement is implemented, then deployment costs are reduced and flexibility is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex placement management function into distinct modular components: rule definition module, rule execution module, and object evaluation module. Each component has a specific responsibility, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable despite the automation complexity. Rules are segmented into discrete criteria that can be independently configured and evaluated.
Solution Approach 2:
The rule execution module serves multiple functions within a single component: it evaluates objects against rules, determines placement decisions, executes moves between storage devices, and queues objects when targets are unavailable. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed while maintaining deployment efficiency.
3Reliability
If objects are moved immediately to correct locations, then rule compliance is maintained, but storage availability and performance may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of placement targets before executing object moves. The rule execution module checks whether the target storage device is available and ready to receive objects, queving objects when targets are unavailable rather than attempting immediate placement. This preliminary check ensures rule compliance while avoiding performance degradation from failed or premature moves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic evaluation and movement of objects rather than continuous immediate action. Objects that cannot be placed immediately are queued for later evaluation when storage conditions change, creating a periodic review process that balances rule compliance with storage performance and availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for specifying the placement of and managing the placement of objects on a distributed networked grid. Some embodiments of the invention comprise a user interface for specifying rules for the placement of objects on the grid and an execution module that places objects on the grid based on the rules specified. Rules may comprise a matching criteria specification, which determines whether a rule applies to a particular object, and a placement specification, which directs the locations at which an object will be placed under the rule.