Storage System Data Import via Block-Level Migration Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data migration from one storage system to another is time-consuming and costly, requiring extensive downtime and not scaling well, especially when upgrading or replacing storage systems, which makes it a recurring challenge that consumes resources and budgets.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves initializing the importation of information from a source storage system to a target storage system on a block-by-block basis, handling read and write requests seamlessly, and managing failure, takeover, and giveback events through high availability cluster nodes to ensure minimal downtime and transparent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data migration is performed using backup and restore from tape device, then data can be transferred from source storage system to target storage system, but the process is slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by creating snapshots of the source storage system before migration begins, and by pre-establishing the migration infrastructure including target storage pools and migration agents. This allows the actual data transfer to start immediately without extensive preparation time during the migration window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape-based backup and restore process with an electronic direct data transfer system. Migration agents on the source storage system directly copy data blocks to the target storage system over the network, eliminating the intermediate tape media and associated mechanical operations, thereby significantly increasing migration speed.
2Productivity
If traditional data migration methods are used, then data can be moved between storage systems, but extensive application downtime is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous data migration by implementing incremental copying that occurs while the source storage system remains operational and serves applications. The migration process continues uninterrupted through multiple phases (initial copy, incremental updates, validation) without requiring application downtime, thus maintaining productivity throughout the migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces migration agents as intermediary components that facilitate data transfer without disrupting application access. These agents operate in the background to copy and validate data blocks while the source storage system continues to serve read and write requests from applications, enabling seamless migration with minimal user impact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage systems are upgraded or replaced, then performance and capacity can be improved, but migration becomes a recurring resource-consuming challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal migration framework that can handle multiple storage system configurations, protocols, and data formats through a standardized interface. The migration agents and management system are designed to work across different storage platforms and scenarios (upgrade, replacement, consolidation), reducing the complexity of recurring migration projects by providing a consistent approach regardless of the specific storage systems involved.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are generally directed an apparatus and method for receiving an event notification for a pair of cluster nodes having a first cluster node and a second cluster node, the event notification indicating an occurrence of a takeover event or a giveback event. Further, various embodiments may include suspending copying of information from a source logical unit to a target logical unit, transferring one or more processes from the first cluster node to the second cluster node and resuming importation of information from the source logical unit to the target logical unit.