SAN Resource Manager Hierarchical Tree View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing storage area networks is challenging due to the complexity of configuring multiple resources, which can lead to issues when a single resource is not properly configured, preventing clients from accessing data.
Innovation Solution
A resource manager system that allows users to select multiple resources and apply a common view mode option for simultaneous viewing, excluding view modes that are not applicable to all selected resources, and updates the hierarchical tree to reflect new selections, enabling easier navigation and configuration 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 configure multiple hardware and software components
Solution Approach 1:
The management interface is segmented into a hierarchical tree structure that organizes resources by type (storage devices, host devices, network devices) and allows users to navigate through levels of abstraction. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by presenting resources in manageable groups rather than a flat complex list.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to resource management, organizing resources in multiple levels (e.g., storage area network level, device level, component level). This dimensional organization allows users to access resources through different levels of abstraction, making the complex system more navigable and easier to operate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resources are configured in a storage area network, then functionality and versatility are improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring configuration issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback mechanisms that allow users to view configuration status and detect issues within the hierarchical tree structure. Users can navigate to specific resource levels and view configuration details, enabling them to identify and resolve configuration problems more easily despite the complexity of multiple resources.
3Ease of operation
If a hierarchical tree structure is used to display resources, then ease of operation is improved by organizing resources logically, but loss of time increases when users need to navigate through multiple levels to find specific resources
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical tree segments resources into logical categories and levels, allowing users to quickly navigate to the appropriate level for a given resource type. This segmentation provides a structured path that reduces search time compared to searching through unorganized lists.
Data Source
AI summary
A resource manager (e.g., a computer, a software application, etc.) initiates display of a list of managed objects associated with respective resources in a storage area network. The resource manager then receives a command from a user viewing the list to display view mode options associated with a set of two or more selected managed objects in the list. In response to receiving the command, the resource manager initiates display of a menu of view mode options that can be applied to each of the two or more managed objects in the set. The menu provided by the resource manager excludes any view mode options that pertain only to one of the managed objects or fewer than all managed objects in the set. Common view modes that can be applied to all managed objects in the set appear in the menu for selection by the user.