Storage Management Layering for Object Transformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage management systems face challenges in efficiently managing and transforming data and objects across multiple layers, requiring complex transformations that are often inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly when dealing with operations like persistence object management and object creation, deletion, and modification within storage systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a UIS layer and a System API layer within a storage management application, where the UIS layer performs object management and the System API layer handles persistence object management, with the option of an interface layer for task and user services management, utilizing declarative model transformation tools to streamline data transformations between layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers are used in storage management software to manage different aspects of storage systems, then functionality and coverage are improved, but transformation complexity and development effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality coverageVSAvoidtransformation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage management software is segmented into distinct layers: the UIS layer for user-facing object management operations and the System API layer for persistence operations. Each layer has specific responsibilities, reducing the need for complex cross-layer transformations and making the system more manageable despite enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex transformations are implemented between layers to manage data and objects, then object management capability is improved, but processing efficiency and development time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject management capabilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Transformation logic is extracted and centralized in the System API layer, which handles persistence object management separately from the UIS layer. This extraction reduces processing overhead in the UIS layer and improves overall efficiency by dedicating specific functionality to appropriate layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional layered architecture is used without declarative transformation tools, then system structure is maintained, but development effort and maintenance complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoiddevelopment effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Manual, imperative transformation code between layers is replaced with declarative transformation tools. This substitution maintains the stable layered system structure while dramatically reducing development effort and maintenance complexity, as transformations are defined through declarative specifications rather than complex procedural code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10318183B1Storage management system and method

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a UIS layer within a storage management application, wherein the UIS layer is configured to perform operations including object management within a storage system. A System API layer is defined within the storage management application, wherein the System API layer is positioned beneath the UIS layer and is configured to perform operations including persistence object management within the storage system.