SAN Configuration Verification and Animation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a Storage Area Network (SAN) is challenging for less experienced users due to difficulties in following setup guidelines, interpreting extensive documentation, and selecting compatible components, leading to increased technical support needs and potential misconfigurations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that provides a predefined template for inputting SAN data, including a first tool for validating configurations and a second tool for recommending valid configurations, along with animated guidance to aid in establishing an optimized SAN configuration, utilizing a database to ensure compatibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extensive documentation and setup guidelines are provided, then users can establish SAN configurations, but users may misinterpret or avoid reading the documentation leading to configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies/animations of SAN configurations that replicate the actual system setup. These animated representations serve as intuitive visual documentation that users can understand without reading extensive text, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration verification tools and animated visualizations as intermediary elements between the user and the complex SAN setup documentation. These intermediaries translate technical configuration data into visual formats that are easier to comprehend, reducing misinterpretation while preserving all necessary configuration information.
2Reliability
If users rely on technical support for SAN establishment, then configuration accuracy improves, but expenses and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration verification tools that automatically validate SAN setups against best practices and compatibility requirements. Users can independently verify their configurations without requiring technical support personnel, thereby maintaining high accuracy while eliminating support time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms through configuration verification tools that immediately alert users to potential errors or suboptimal setups. This continuous feedback loop enables users to correct issues during the configuration process itself, ensuring accuracy without needing post-configuration technical support review.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users select additional components for SAN, then system capability increases, but compatibility and certification issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compatibility verification by checking selected components against a database of certified and compatible components before the user finalizes the configuration. This advance validation prevents compatibility issues while allowing users to explore various configuration options, maintaining both versatility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides immediate feedback when users select components that are not certified or compatible with the SAN configuration. The system alerts users to potential compatibility issues and suggests alternative certified components, enabling users to expand system capability while maintaining reliability through informed component selection.
4Productivity
If sophisticated users implement their own knowledge for SAN establishment, then technical support expenses decrease, but configuration errors may increase due to incorrect information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent empowers users to independently establish SAN configurations using automated verification tools that guide them through the setup process. Users can confidently implement their own knowledge while the system simultaneously verifies configuration correctness, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability without requiring external technical support.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for establishing a storage area network (SAN) is described. The method includes providing a predefined template for inputting data associated with a SAN. A first tool may utilize the template to validate an entered SAN configuration based on accessing data in a database. A second tool may utilize the template to generate a valid SAN configuration, based on accessing SAN data in a database, if component data is entered. An animated configuration of a valid SAN is generated based on at least one of the input SAN configuration or the input component data.