Storage Configuration Upgrade Path via Transition Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage system management technologies face challenges in upgrading or reverting software configurations across multiple product release lines, as conventional linear upgrade/revert processes are not operative in such scenarios, leading to complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a storage system management module with a configuration upgrade/revert module and a transition table to automatically manage upgrades and reverts, constructing potential transition paths between product release lines, either through direct transitions or finding the shortest path using algorithms when direct transitions are not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear upgrade/revert process is used for software configurations, then the process is simple to implement, but it becomes inoperative and complex when multiple product release lines are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upgrade/revert process into discrete transition steps between release lines. Instead of a single linear process, the system breaks down the configuration transition into manageable segments (e.g., from release line A to B, then B to C), allowing each segment to be handled independently through automated transition functions stored in the transition table.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transition table as an intermediary data structure that mediates between different release lines. This table contains transition functions that act as intermediaries to facilitate configuration transitions between release lines, enabling the system to navigate complex multi-release scenarios without direct manual intervention.
2Loss of time
If manual configuration upgrade/revert processes are used, then administrative control is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically manages configuration transitions between release lines. The transition table contains pre-defined transition functions that execute automatically when an upgrade or revert operation is initiated, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps and significantly reducing the time required for transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining transition functions in the transition table before actual upgrades or reverts occur. These pre-prepared transition functions include all necessary configuration changes and validations, allowing the system to execute transitions rapidly without manual intervention during the actual upgrade/revert operation.
3Reliability
If direct configuration transitions are attempted between release lines, then the process is straightforward, but it fails when release lines are not directly compatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transition path dynamic by allowing the system to automatically determine the optimal sequence of transitions based on the current and target release lines. Instead of requiring a fixed direct transition path, the system dynamically queries the transition table to find valid transition sequences, adapting to different release line combinations and ensuring successful transitions even when direct compatibility does not exist.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically upgrading/reverting of the software configurations in a storage system environment among a plurality of product release lines. A configuration upgrade/revert module of a storage system management module identifies a shortest path between an initial configuration and a desired end configuration using a transition table comprising of a plurality of transition functions. The upgrade/revert configuration module invokes the appropriate series of transition functions to modify the software configuration from the initial state to the desired end state.