Storage Array Attribution Module for Shared Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in accurately reporting storage capacity utilization among entities sharing deduplicated data, as entities are typically unaware that shared data is stored in a single instance, leading to difficulties in attributing consumed storage capacity effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an attribution module within storage controllers to identify shared data objects and attribute a fractional portion of the storage capacity to each entity, based on the number of references generated by each entity relative to the total, ensuring accurate reporting of storage usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is deduplicated and shared among multiple entities in storage, then storage capacity is efficiently utilized, but accurate reporting of storage consumption to each entity becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attribution mechanism that sits between the deduplicated storage system and the entities. This intermediary tracks reference counts and calculates fractional attribution of shared data objects to each entity, enabling accurate storage consumption reporting without affecting the underlying deduplication efficiency. The intermediary maintains attribution information that maps shared data objects to their originating entities with fractional ownership.
2Loss of energy
If shared data is stored in a single instance, then storage efficiency is improved, but entities sharing the data become unaware of the actual storage consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the storage system continuously monitors and tracks storage consumption for each entity even when data is deduplicated. The system provides feedback to entities about their actual storage usage by calculating fractional attribution based on reference counts, enabling transparent storage consumption visibility while maintaining the storage efficiency benefits of deduplication.
3Productivity
If deduplication is implemented across multiple entities, then storage capacity is optimized, but attribution of consumed capacity to individual entities becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attribution problem into manageable components: identifying unique data objects, tracking reference counts for each entity, calculating fractional attribution, and maintaining separate attribution records. This segmentation approach breaks down the complex attribution task into discrete, manageable operations that can be performed efficiently without overwhelming system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Attributing consumed storage capacity among entities storing data in a storage array includes: identifying a data object stored in the storage array and shared by a plurality of entities, where the data object occupies an amount of storage capacity of the storage array; and attributing to each entity a fractional portion of the amount of storage capacity occupied by the data object.