Storage Configuration Template Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring data storage systems are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors, requiring manual extraction and replication of configuration information, which is not repeatable or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A method using a capture tool to create a template from a first data storage system's configuration, which is then published and applied by a configuration engine to configure a second system, facilitating automation, control, and distribution of configuration information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction and replication of configuration information is used, then configuration can be performed, but the process is cumbersome, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a template representation of configuration information from a first data storage system and uses this template to automatically configure a second system. The template captures all necessary configuration parameters and their relationships, allowing rapid replication without manual extraction and reducing both time and errors associated with manual configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms configuration information into a standardized template format with defined parameters and data types. This parameter standardization allows the configuration engine to automatically interpret and apply settings across different data storage systems, enabling consistent rapid deployment while reducing manual intervention and associated time losses.
2Reliability
If manual extraction of configuration information is performed, then configuration data can be obtained, but the process is error-prone and not repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The template mechanism creates an exact, repeatable copy of configuration information from the first data storage system. This template can be consistently applied to multiple second systems, ensuring configuration accuracy and repeatability while simplifying the operation to a single automated step rather than complex manual extraction processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of extracting and copying configuration data with an automated configuration engine that processes templates. This substitution eliminates human errors in manual extraction while maintaining ease of operation through automated template application, thereby improving both reliability and operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If automation of configuration process is implemented, then installation time is reduced and errors are minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template approach simplifies the automated configuration system by creating a self-contained representation of configuration information. The template captures all necessary settings in a standardized format, allowing the configuration engine to automatically apply them without complex processing logic, thus achieving high productivity while limiting system complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The template mechanism serves multiple functions: it represents configuration data, validates settings, and guides the configuration engine in applying settings across different data storage systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex subsystems, achieving configuration efficiency while managing overall system complexity through a unified template-based approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is used in processing data storage system configuration information. A capture tool is used to create a template from a configuration of a first data storage system. The template is published, and a configuration engine is used to apply the template to configuring a second data storage system.