Storage Intermediary Asset Map for Data Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data access is limited due to the obsolescence of storage systems over time, as faster technologies develop, leading to the need for efficient data migration and system response strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for data storage that involves linking a first storage system with clients to a second storage system, migrating digital assets, updating an asset map to track locations, and fulfilling client requests by consulting the map to determine asset locations, allowing for seamless migration and request fulfillment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is archived on physical long term storage media in an obsolete storage system, then data retention is achieved, but data access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage system intermediary that sits between the obsolete storage system and the client. This intermediary contains an asset map that tracks the location of digital assets across multiple storage systems (including both the old system with physical media and new faster systems). When a client requests data, the intermediary consults the asset map to determine the current location of the requested asset and retrieves it from the appropriate storage system, thereby maintaining data retention in the reliable old system while enabling fast access through the intermediary layer.
2Speed
If storage system technology is replaced with faster elements, then data access speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary acts as a simplified interface that abstracts the complexity of managing multiple storage systems. Instead of requiring complex coordination between multiple storage systems and clients, the intermediary presents a single point of access. The asset map within the intermediary tracks asset locations across different storage systems, allowing the system to manage complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to clients.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary serves multiple functions: it acts as a gateway for client requests, maintains an asset map of digital asset locations across multiple storage systems, determines optimal data retrieval paths, and manages the coordination between old and new storage systems. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex systems into a single versatile component.
3Productivity
If digital assets are migrated from the second storage system to the first storage system, then data access efficiency is improved, but migration time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining an asset map that proactively tracks the location of digital assets before any client requests occur. This allows the intermediary to immediately know where data is stored and retrieve it without delay. The asset map is updated in advance as migrations occur, so when a client requests data, the system already knows the current location and can access it directly without needing to search or migrate data at the moment of request.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous data access during migration by allowing the asset map to track assets that may exist in multiple locations simultaneously. During the migration process, the intermediary can serve requests from either the source or destination storage system based on current asset locations, ensuring uninterrupted access. The migration process itself can continue in the background without halting data access operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system and method for a storage system response. The system includes a first storage system adapted to be linked in communication with at least one client and with a second storage system, the second storage system retaining a plurality of digital assets. An asset map is adapted to track where in the first storage system or the second storage system each of the plurality of digital assets is retained. A migrator is also provided and structured and arranged to migrate each of the plurality of digital assets from the second storage system to the first storage system, the migrator further adapted to update the asset map regarding a status of migration for each of the plurality of digital assets. A server structured and arranged to fulfill digital asset requests received by the first storage system from the at least one client, the server structured and arranged to consult the asset map to determine where the requested digital assets resides. An associated method is also provided.