Application-Aware Storage Provisioning via Policy Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users lack the necessary sophistication and knowledge to effectively perform data storage configuration and provisioning tasks, particularly in sharing data across multiple host systems, which necessitates a flexible and adaptable technique that can vary automation levels based on user proficiency and specific application and storage system requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method that translates application provision requirements into generic storage resource requirements and then into physical data storage requirements, using policies that include different best practices for various applications and storage systems, allowing for varying degrees of automation and user proficiency levels, and automatically selects and implements storage allocation solutions based on available resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data storage configuration and provisioning is performed by users, then users have full control over storage allocation and settings, but users lack the necessary sophistication and knowledge to effectively perform these tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (storage provisioning system) that mediates between the user and the complex storage configuration tasks. The system automatically translates high-level user requirements into detailed storage configurations, eliminating the need for users to have specialized knowledge while ensuring correct and reliable storage provisioning.
2Ease of operation
If automated storage provisioning is implemented, then the provisioning process becomes simpler and more accessible to users, but the system becomes more complex to manage and configure
Solution Approach 1:
The storage provisioning system is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple types of storage devices, configurations, and applications through a single interface. This multi-functionality reduces the apparent complexity for users while providing comprehensive automated provisioning capabilities across diverse storage scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detailed control over storage configuration is provided to users, then users can optimize storage allocation for their specific needs, but the provisioning process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic provisioning where the level of automation and user involvement adjusts based on the specific requirements and user preferences. Users can dynamically select between automated recommended configurations and more manual customized approaches, allowing the system to adapt to different time constraints and customization needs.
4Manufacturing precision
If storage provisioning requires deep technical knowledge, then storage can be optimized for specific applications and systems, but the process becomes inaccessible to users without specialized expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The storage provisioning system enables self-service capabilities where users can independently provision storage without requiring specialized technical knowledge. The system automatically handles the complex optimization and configuration tasks, allowing users to benefit from expert-level storage provisioning through an intuitive interface that requires minimal technical expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for provisioning storage of a data storage system for use by an application. One or more application provision requirements associated with a provisioning request to provision storage for use by the application are received. The one or more application provision requirements are translated, in accordance with application best practices for the application included in a policy, to one or more generic storage resource requirements. The one or more generic storage resource requirements are translated, in accordance with data storage system best practices included in said policy, to one or more physical data storage requirements. The physical data storage requirements include identification of one or more physical storage devices in said data storage system used in allocating storage to service said provisioning request. Storage is allocated for use by said application in accordance with said physical data storage requirements.