Application-Aware Storage Configuration via Abstraction Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of data storage systems often lack the necessary sophistication and knowledge to effectively configure data storage services, making it desirable to have a flexible technique that adapts to their knowledge level and provides assistance in data storage configuration tasks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that determines the user's level of knowledge and provides rule sets for mapping data storage configuration requests across different levels of abstraction, allowing for adaptable and automated implementation of best practices tailored to the user's expertise, with service providers interacting to perform data storage configuration requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If data storage configuration tasks require detailed technical knowledge and manual setup, then configuration precision and control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited sophistication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (storage configuration service provider and rule sets) between the user and the complex storage configuration tasks. This intermediary automatically translates high-level user requirements into detailed technical configurations, allowing users with limited knowledge to achieve precise configuration results without manually handling complex parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated rule sets that configure storage parameters based on application requirements. The storage configuration service provider automatically determines optimal settings for RAID levels, caching, striping, and other parameters without requiring user intervention, enabling users to obtain precise configurations through simple service requests
2Ease of operation
If automated rule sets are provided for users with limited knowledge, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple abstraction levels and mapping rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage configuration system into multiple independent components: user interface layer, service provider layer, rule set layer, and physical storage layer. Each layer handles specific tasks independently, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while maintaining overall system functionality. The segmentation allows the complex mapping logic to be isolated in the rule set layer without affecting the simplicity of the user interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple levels of abstraction are implemented to accommodate different user knowledge levels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple service provider levels and mapping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service provider architecture where the storage configuration service provider can handle multiple types of requests across different abstraction levels through a single unified interface. The rule sets are designed to be universally applicable to various storage configurations and application types, reducing the need for separate specialized components for each scenario
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for processing a data storage configuration request for an application A first user level of a plurality of user levels at which said data storage configuration request is made is determined. One or more rule sets defining mappings between different ones of said plurality of user levels are provided. Each of the different user levels is associated with a different level of abstraction with respect to processing performed in the data storage system for implementing the data storage configuration request. One of the rule sets is selected in accordance with the application, a data service requested in said data storage configuration request, and a user grouping including said plurality of user levels. The data storage configuration request is serviced using rules of the selected rule set.