Semantic Data Migration in Storage Area Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data migration in large-scale storage area networks is complex and costly, requiring substantial computing resources and time, with hundreds or thousands of interconnected components, making it a non-trivial operation to migrate data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A semantic data migration process that includes a migration manager leveraging existing storage resource management capabilities, covering planning, execution, and verification phases, with support for midway correction and rollback features, using a repository to track relational states of objects and virtual identifiers for accurate data tracking and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data migration methods are used in large-scale storage area networks, then data can be migrated between storage systems, but the complexity and cost increase substantially due to hundreds or thousands of interconnected components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage area network management application as an intermediary system that coordinates and manages the migration process across multiple storage systems. This management application serves as a mediator between source and destination storage systems, handling the complexity of coordinating hundreds or thousands of components while ensuring reliable data migration. The intermediary manages migration plans, tracks data elements, and coordinates the overall migration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the data migration process into discrete data elements that can be individually tracked and managed. Each data element is assigned a unique identifier, allowing the system to segment the migration into manageable units. This segmentation enables precise tracking of each element's location and status, reducing overall system complexity by breaking down the migration into trackable components.
2Productivity
If conventional data migration methods are used, then data can be moved between storage systems, but substantial computing resources and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a migration planning phase where the storage area network management application creates a comprehensive migration plan before actual data migration begins. This preliminary action involves identifying all data elements, determining their locations, and establishing the migration sequence. By performing this planning in advance, the system avoids unnecessary computations during execution and reduces overall migration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates verification mechanisms where the management application continuously monitors and verifies the migration process. Data element identifiers are tracked throughout migration, and the system verifies successful migration of each element. This feedback mechanism allows for real-time adjustments and reduces rework, improving overall migration efficiency and reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Migrating data within a storage area network is disclosed. A migration plan is created, the migration plan to move data stored in the storage area network, wherein each element of data is to be moved from a source location to a destination location according to a mapping therebetween. A virtual identifier is assigned to each mapping according to the migration plan. The migration plan is executed. Upon completion of the movement of an element of data, the virtual identifier for the mapping of that element of data is assigned to a resultant location to which that element of data is moved. Upon completion of the execution of the migration plan, the movement of the data is verified by comparing, for each element of data, the virtual identifier of the mapping and the virtual identifier of the resultant location.