Data Storage Manager Abstraction for Administrative Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage management systems require system administrators to have detailed knowledge of storage components and abstractions, both physically and application-specific, leading to complexity and inefficiency in managing data storage across multiple applications.
Innovation Solution
A data storage management system comprising a data store, a data storage manager, and a graphical user interface that allocates and utilizes logical and physical storage elements through an application instance, exposing data storage in application-specific units and providing a user-friendly interface for administrators to manage storage resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional data storage management systems are used, then detailed control over storage components is achieved, but system complexity and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage manager as an intermediary layer between applications and physical storage devices. This storage manager abstracts the complex physical storage details (disk arrays, RAID configurations, partitioning) into simple logical storage units that applications can easily manage. The storage manager handles all low-level storage operations, allowing administrators to manage storage through application-specific parameters rather than detailed hardware knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage management system into distinct layers: physical storage devices, storage manager (with drivers and controllers), and application-specific logical storage units. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, reducing the complexity burden on administrators while maintaining reliable control over the physical storage infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If application-specific storage schemes are implemented, then storage needs of individual applications are met, but knowledge requirements for administrators increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage manager acts as an intermediary that translates application-specific storage requirements into physical storage operations. Applications specify their needs in terms of logical storage units with application-relevant parameters, and the storage manager handles the translation to physical storage configurations, eliminating the need for administrators to understand both application-specific and physical storage details simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage manager provides a universal interface that works with multiple different applications through a common set of logical storage units. Rather than requiring administrators to understand each application's specific storage scheme, the universal storage manager handles all applications through consistent abstraction mechanisms, reducing the knowledge burden while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If physical storage details are exposed to administrators, then precise storage management is achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments storage management into logical and physical layers. Administrators interact with the logical layer using simplified parameters specific to their applications, while the storage manager handles the physical layer details (disk configurations, RAID levels, partitioning). This segmentation maintains precise control over physical storage through the storage manager while exposing only essential logical parameters to administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage manager serves as an intermediary that maintains precise control over physical storage devices while presenting simplified logical storage units to administrators. It translates high-level logical storage specifications into detailed physical storage operations, ensuring precise storage management without exposing operational complexity to users.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for presenting managed data from one or more applications are invented and disclosed. A data storage management system comprises a data store, a data storage manager, and a graphical user interface. The data storage manager is communicatively coupled to the data store and configured to allocate and use logical and physical storage elements of the data store via an application instance. The graphical user interface exposes data storage in application specific storage units. A method for managing data comprises coupling a data store to one or more applications, allocating storage on the data store in accordance with respective storage requirements expressed as an application instance associated with each of the one or more applications, and using a graphical user interface to expose the data store in application storage units associated with the one or more applications.