Automated Storage Provisioning Module for Virtual Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual creation of storage resources for virtual computing systems is complex and time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple storage servers from different vendors and various storage management platforms and operating systems, which hinders efficient testing and deployment.

Innovation Solution

An automated storage provisioning module within a testing framework that creates and manages storage resources across multiple storage servers, supporting various storage types and protocols, and interfacing with different storage management platforms and operating systems, reducing the need for manual administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual creation of storage resources is used, then storage resources can be created across multiple storage servers from different vendors, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple storage servers and vendorsVSAvoidtime-consuming manual creation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (storage provisioning module or plugin) that mediates between the testing framework and diverse storage servers from different vendors. This intermediary handles the complexity of interfacing with multiple storage management platforms and operating systems, allowing automated creation of storage resources without requiring manual intervention for each vendor-specific platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal storage provisioning module that can interface with multiple types of storage servers, storage management platforms, and operating systems through a single automated interface. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate manual processes for each vendor, enabling automated resource creation across heterogeneous storage environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual storage resource creation is performed, then storage resources can be provisioned, but administrative burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage resource provisioning capabilityVSAvoidadministrative complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service storage resource provisioning through automated testing frameworks that can automatically create, configure, and manage storage resources without human intervention. The system provisions storage resources on-demand based on testing requirements, eliminating the need for administrators to manually create storage resources across multiple platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated storage provisioning module acts as an intermediary that handles all administrative tasks related to storage resource creation, configuration, and management. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of interfacing with different storage management platforms and operating systems, reducing administrative burden while maintaining full provisioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated testing framework is implemented, then testing efficiency improves, but storage provisioning complexity increases without automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidstorage provisioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the storage provisioning functionality directly into the automated testing framework by implementing storage provisioning plugins or modules within the testing framework itself. This integration combines testing and storage provisioning operations into a unified automated process, allowing the testing framework to automatically manage storage resources without requiring separate manual provisioning steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage provisioning module serves as an intermediary between the automated testing framework and the diverse storage infrastructure. This intermediary enables the testing framework to automatically provision storage resources across multiple vendors and platforms without increasing operational complexity, as the intermediary handles all vendor-specific interactions through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10198220B2Storage resource provisioning for a test framework

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 RED HAT ISRAEL

AI summary

A method and system for managing storage in a framework for testing a virtual computing system including one or more virtual machines (VMs). The framework includes a storage provisioning module for receiving storage parameters relating to the testing of the virtual computing system. A target storage server from multiple storage servers for use in execution of the automated test is identified and a storage device is allocated on the target storage server based on the storage parameters. The storage provisioning module communicates with the target storage server and/or storage devices to perform a storage management action relating to the automated test.