SAN Resource Manager Dynamic Process Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Management of storage area networks is complex due to the coordination of numerous hardware and software resources, leading to potential configuration errors and downtime when resources are not properly configured.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface is used to guide users through the management process, dynamically displaying initial and additional process steps, allowing users to select resources and track status, thereby simplifying the configuration and reconfiguration of storage area networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a graphical user interface is used to manage storage area network resources, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to coordinate numerous hardware and software resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage area network manager as an intermediary component that sits between the user and the complex SAN resources. This manager receives user requests through the graphical interface, automatically determines the required process steps, and coordinates the underlying hardware and software resources. The intermediary abstracts the complexity from the user while maintaining full control over the resource coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining and preparing the sequence of process steps before user execution. When a user initiates a management function, the system pre-analyzes the request, identifies all necessary steps (such as configuration, allocation, or deallocation operations), and prepares them in the correct order. This preliminary determination reduces the cognitive load on users during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of storage area network resources is performed, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential configuration errors and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that automatically monitor the state of storage area network resources and provide information about configuration status, resource availability, and potential issues. This feedback loop enables the system to detect errors early, alert users to problems, and even automatically correct certain configuration issues, thereby maintaining high reliability while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing validation and verification steps before configuration changes are applied. The system checks proposed configurations for errors, ensures compatibility with existing resources, and prepares rollback procedures in advance. This protective approach allows users to reconfigure resources adaptively while minimizing the risk of downtime or system failures.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic determination of process steps is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing overhead for analyzing user input
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining templates and patterns for common storage area network management functions. When a user initiates a standard operation (such as allocating storage or configuring a host), the system matches the request against predefined patterns and quickly determines the appropriate process steps without extensive analysis. This reduces processing time while maintaining dynamic adaptation to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by optimizing its internal processing based on the type and complexity of the user request. For simple, common operations, the system uses streamlined parameter checking and fast-path processing. For more complex operations, it applies more thorough analysis. This adaptive parameter adjustment allows the system to minimize processing time for routine tasks while maintaining accuracy for complex configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
In response to a user selection of a management function to configure a storage area network, a resource manager application generates a graphical user interface that displays a list including at least initial process steps requiring selection of resources in the storage area network to execute the management function. Based on input from a user such as selection of resources for a given process step in the list, the resource manager application dynamically selects further process steps in addition to the list of initial process steps for display in the list. In this way, a user can i) view a changing list of process steps and ii) identify which additional process steps are required to perform a respective management function as a result of making a selection of storage area network resources for the given process step.