Storage Automator for Automated Provisioning in SANs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage administration processes in Storage Area Networks (SANs) are manual and labor-intensive, making it difficult for administrators to manage the growing demand for computer storage, especially in complex and dispersed environments.
Innovation Solution
A Storage Automator system that automates storage provisioning by using a Storage Services API, Intelligent Storage Engine, and Storage Execution Engine to discover, classify, and allocate storage resources based on user requests and available resources, employing a scoring algorithm to match storage requirements with available resources while ensuring compatibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual storage administration processes are used, then storage resources can be managed with simple tools, but the complexity increases and scalability decreases as storage demand grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated storage provisioning system that acts as an intermediary between storage administrators and storage resources. This system includes a storage provisioning manager that communicates with storage arrays through standardized protocols, automating tasks such as storage allocation, monitoring, and management. The intermediary handles complex operations centrally, reducing the burden on administrators while managing dispersed storage resources efficiently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage resources are distributed across multiple networks and locations, then resource availability and accessibility improve, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal storage provisioning system that can manage diverse storage resources across multiple networks and locations through a single centralized interface. The system supports multiple storage protocols and network types (SAN, NAS, cloud storage), allowing administrators to manage heterogeneous storage environments uniformly. This multi-functional approach enables the system to adapt to different storage locations and network configurations while maintaining consistent management procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional storage administration tools are used, then implementation is straightforward, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the storage provisioning system automatically performs tasks such as storage allocation, capacity planning, and resource optimization without requiring manual intervention. The system includes automated workflows that can independently provision storage resources, monitor usage patterns, and adjust allocations based on predefined policies. This automation dramatically improves storage administration productivity while maintaining ease of implementation through standardized interfaces.
4Productivity
If centralized management of dispersed storage resources is implemented, then unified control and scalability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented architecture where the centralized storage provisioning system is divided into modular components: a provisioning manager, policy engine, monitoring module, and communication interface. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently configured and maintained. This segmentation allows centralized management of dispersed storage resources while keeping the system architecture manageable through clear separation of concerns and standardized interfaces between components.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present invention include a method, a system, and a computer-program product for storage automation. The method includes receiving a request for storage, determining a storage allocation for provisioning according to the request for storage and available storage resources, and provisioning storage according to the determined storage allocation.