Automating SAN Asset Configuration via Event Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual planning of configuration changes in data storage systems is time-consuming and prone to errors, necessitating an improvement in event windows to automate configuration changes for efficient migration planning in storage area networks (SANs).
Innovation Solution
Automating the configuration and migration of assets in a SAN environment by generating elements representing events, adding assets to these elements, and creating groups within them for configuration, using a computer program to implement these steps, thereby simplifying the process and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual planning of configuration changes is performed, then configuration changes can be implemented, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates migration plans, configuration changes, and validation rules without requiring manual user intervention. The automation engine self-manages the entire migration planning process, from analyzing the current state to generating the migration blueprint, thereby eliminating human errors and reducing planning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (user-driven configuration planning) with an automated computational system. The automation engine uses algorithms to analyze asset dependencies, generate migration sequences, and validate configurations, substituting human operators with an intelligent software system that operates faster and more accurately.
2Ease of operation
If event windows are used for migration planning, then configuration changes can be simulated and managed, but manual processes increase time and error risks
Solution Approach 1:
The event window mechanism is enhanced with automated capabilities where the system self-generates migration blueprints, automatically validates configurations against business rules, and produces execution plans without manual intervention. This maintains the structured approach of event windows while eliminating manual operational overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of the current asset state, pre-generates migration configurations, and pre-validates against constraints before the actual migration event window. This preliminary automation prepares everything in advance, making the event window execution phase faster and more efficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configuration changes are planned across multiple assets, then comprehensive migration is achieved, but the complexity of manual coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex multi-asset migration problem into manageable components by automatically identifying and grouping assets with similar migration requirements. The system divides the overall migration plan into discrete, independently validatable units while maintaining awareness of inter-asset dependencies, thereby reducing coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation engine implements a universal migration planning framework that handles diverse asset types (storage arrays, switches, hosts, applications) through a single unified process. This multi-functional system applies the same automated logic across different asset classes, eliminating the need for separate manual coordination procedures for each asset type.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for automating configuration and migrating configurations of assets in a storage area network (SAN). For example, a method comprises the following steps. An element representing an event in a project is generated. One or more assets are added to the element. A group within the element including a sub-set of the one or more assets from the element is generated, wherein the one or more assets in the sub-set are to be configured.