Selective Storage Resource Reservation in SAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage area networks, existing resource reservation methods lead to inefficiencies as they often require reserving entire resources, making them unavailable for other uses, even if partial allocation would not cause conflicts.
Innovation Solution
The system allows selective reservation of specific properties or portions of storage resources, enabling changes within defined limits without invalidating reservations, thus allowing concurrent use and flexibility in resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If entire resources are reserved for a specific purpose, then resource conflicts are prevented, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a storage resource into multiple distinct properties (e.g., capacity, performance parameters, physical location). Instead of reserving the entire resource, only specific properties are reserved for specific purposes. This allows different portions of the resource to be allocated to different users simultaneously, preventing conflicts while improving utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different properties of the same resource to have different reservation statuses. Some properties may be reserved while others remain available, enabling selective allocation based on specific needs rather than blanket reservation of the entire resource.
2Productivity
If selective reservation of properties is implemented, then resource utilization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reservation framework that can handle multiple types of properties (capacity, performance, location) through a single standardized mechanism. The storage management station implements a general-purpose reservation system that works across different resource types and properties, reducing the need for separate specialized reservation systems for each property type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and program product for reserving resources in a networked environment, e.g. a storage area network. A resource is some object that a user must use or change to complete a task. When a user plans a task, the user selects some high-level resources and properties to reserve and a Reservation Service embodiment creates reservations for them. Accordingly, the method system and program product embodiments overcome inefficiencies in reserving resources in a data storage environment while still allowing such reservations to occur. The method includes selectively reserving properties for resources from more than one available choice.