Automatic Storage Object Tagging for Host Application Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In complex data storage systems like SANs and NAS, administrators face difficulties in determining where the most important data is stored due to the abstraction of storage capacity across multiple layers and shared usage among host applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically identify and tag storage objects within a storage domain based on predetermined importance characteristics, using a storage management computer to select and tag storage objects that satisfy specific criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage capacity is abstracted by multiple layers of storage objects to enable sharing among multiple host applications, then storage versatility and sharing capability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting important data increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tagging system that bridges the complex multi-layer storage architecture and the administrator's need for simple identification. Tags serve as metadata intermediaries that connect storage objects to host applications without requiring administrators to navigate the complex layering, thus resolving the contradiction between storage versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual tagging (analogous to color changes) where storage objects are marked with identifiable tags that indicate their importance and association with host applications. This visual differentiation allows administrators to quickly identify important data amidst the complex multi-layer storage structure, resolving the contradiction by providing simple visual cues without changing the underlying complex architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of storage objects in different storage groups are created for shared storage capacity, then storage versatility is improved, but ease of operation and administrative management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the complex storage object hierarchy by implementing a separate tagging system. The tags extract and highlight only the essential information (host application association and importance) that administrators need, separating this identification function from the complex storage management structure and thereby improving ease of operation while preserving storage versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Tags act as an intermediary layer between the complex multi-group storage structure and administrators. Instead of requiring administrators to manually track and manage multiple storage groups and objects, the tagging system automatically provides a simplified view that shows which storage objects are important and which applications they serve, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing storage versatility
3Productivity
If automatic tagging of storage objects is implemented based on importance characteristics, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic tagging that allows the storage system to self-identify and tag its own important objects based on predetermined criteria related to host applications. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual administrator intervention in tagging, thereby improving productivity. The tagging logic is integrated into the existing storage management infrastructure, minimizing additional complexity while enabling automated identification of important data
Data Source
AI summary
Storage objects are mapped to host applications in a storage domain. Each of the storage objects is analyzed to determine importance in terms of predetermined criteria such as quality of service of the storage object, replication level of the storage object, size of the storage object, input-output loading of the storage object, and input-output loading of a host application that uses the storage object. Storage objects that satisfy predetermined importance characteristics are automatically tagged with the name of the host application that uses the storage object. The storage objects may also be tagged with the names of data structures that satisfy predetermined importance characteristics. Storage groups, masking views, and volume devices may also be tagged.