Storage Server Management Application Scripting Extension

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage server management applications (SSMAs) face challenges in adding functionality without affecting core reliability, as software patches can be difficult to deploy and modify.

Innovation Solution

Implementing scripting ability within SSMAs, allowing users to deploy scripting packages that add functionality without altering core functionality, using compressed archives like ZIP files, and utilizing scripting languages like Perl, Rexx, or Tcl/Tk for easy modification and execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software patches are used to modify core functionality of SSMAs, then new functionality can be added, but reliability of the SSMA deteriorates and deployment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality additionVSAvoidSMMA reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the SSMA into core functionality and extendable functionality. The core functionality remains stable and reliable, while new features are implemented as separate extensions that can be added without modifying the core. This segmentation allows functionality addition while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the core SSMA functionality and the extensions. This intermediary allows extensions to interface with the core without directly modifying it, thereby maintaining the reliability of the core while enabling new functionality through controlled extensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If software patches are used to add functionality to SSMAs, then adaptability improves, but ease of deployment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality additionVSAvoiddeployment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing extension templates and frameworks that are prepared in advance. These pre-prepared extensions can be easily deployed without requiring complex deployment procedures, thereby improving ease of deployment while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If core functionality of SSMAs is modified through patches, then functionality is enhanced, but difficulty of writing and deploying patches increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality enhancementVSAvoidpatch creation and deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by providing template extensions that can be copied and customized. Instead of writing patches from scratch, developers can copy existing extension templates and adapt them to specific needs, significantly reducing the difficulty of creating and deploying functionality enhancements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7752615B1Method and apparatus for deploying updates to a storage server management application

Publication Date: 2010.07.06 NETAPP INC

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the invention, a storage server management application (SSMA) includes scripting ability. The scripting ability allows functionality to be added to the SSMA by deploying scripting packages onto the SSMA. The packages may be written by a user having access to the SSMA, and deployed onto the SSMA without affecting the core functionality of the SSMA, and may be easily removed. One package allows a system administrator to monitor the configuration of storage servers monitored by the SSMA by comparing the current configuration of the filers to a standard configuration. Another package monitors best practices for redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) systems. Other packages may be added to the SSMA.