Storage Controller Retention Policy Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage systems face high processing bandwidth consumption and potential policy violations when enforcing data retention and deletion policies, as they require frequent host intervention to manage file retention and deletion according to mandated policies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a storage controller determines, based on metadata, whether to perform operations such as deletion or access on objects, thereby reducing the need for host intervention and ensuring compliance with data retention and deletion policies by storing and managing object metadata within a RAID system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host executes program processes to determine which files should be retained and deleted in accordance with the policy, then compliance with data retention policy is improved, but host processing bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A storage controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the host and storage array. The controller receives file list information from the host, determines retention status based on retention policies, and issues deletion requests to the storage array without consuming host processing bandwidth. This mediator approach transfers the computational burden from the host to the storage controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller autonomously manages retention policy compliance by automatically determining which files should be deleted based on received file list information and retention policies. The controller independently issues deletion requests to the storage array without requiring continuous host intervention, enabling self-service operation that reduces host processing requirements.
2Reliability
If the host periodically requests deletion of files stored in the array, then compliance with data retention policy is improved, but host processing bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller serves as a mediator that receives periodic file list information from the host, processes retention determinations locally, and issues deletion requests to the storage array. This intermediary function maintains compliance while minimizing host processing involvement and improving overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage controller performs preliminary processing of retention determinations by receiving file list information and immediately determining which files should be deleted based on retention policies. This preliminary action is completed before the host needs to issue deletion commands, reducing the host's processing burden and improving system efficiency.
3Reliability
If the host prevents user-initiated file deletion requests from being issued to the array, then compliance with data retention policy is improved, but system flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage controller acts as a mediator that receives user deletion requests from the host, checks retention policy compliance, and selectively permits or blocks deletion requests. This intermediary approach maintains policy compliance while preserving user flexibility for legitimate deletion needs, as the controller can allow user-initiated deletions when they comply with retention policies.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method is provided that may include determining, at least in part, by a device comprised, at least in part, in storage, whether to request that the storage perform, at least in part, at least one operation. The at least one operation may involve, at least in part, at least one object stored in the storage. The determining may be based, at least in part, upon metadata associated with the at least one object. The metadata may be stored in the storage, and may indicate an earliest permitted deletion time for the at least one object and/or a latest permitted access time for the at least one object. Of course, many modifications, variations, and alternatives are possible without departing from this embodiment.