Storage Replication Configuration Translation Across Heterogeneous Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and cost of configuring and maintaining storage replication systems across heterogeneous storage systems, due to their specific protocols and devices, make it a specialist and costly process, especially as systems increase in size and usage.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that translate storage replication system configuration data from a source form into a canonical form, applying device-specific and user-defined policy rules to determine compatible configuration commands for a target storage system, enabling seamless transfer and configuration of storage replication systems across different systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage replication systems are configured across heterogeneous storage systems with specific protocols and devices, then data redundancy and reliability are improved, but configuration complexity and maintenance cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata redundancyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a translation layer that acts as an intermediary between heterogeneous storage systems. This translation layer converts configuration data from source storage system protocols into target storage system protocols, enabling replication across different systems without requiring specialists to manually configure each protocol translation, thus reducing configuration complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal configuration translation mechanism that can handle multiple storage system protocols and device types through a single translation layer. This multi-functional approach allows the same translation infrastructure to work across different storage systems, reducing the need for protocol-specific configuration expertise and lowering overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If storage systems increase in size and usage to provide better data storage capacity, then storage capacity and availability are improved, but configuration and maintenance become more specialist and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidease of configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated translation and configuration generation that reduces reliance on specialist knowledge. The system automatically translates configuration data and generates appropriate configuration commands, allowing operators to manage larger storage systems without requiring expert-level understanding of multiple storage protocols, thereby improving ease of operation as system size increases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage replication systems are transferred between heterogeneous storage systems, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but configuration accuracy and compatibility become more difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The translation layer serves as an intermediary that ensures accurate configuration translation between heterogeneous storage systems. It systematically converts configuration data while validating compatibility, maintaining configuration accuracy during transfers between different storage systems with varying protocols and device types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically transforms configuration parameters from source storage system protocols to target storage system protocols through the translation layer. This parameter transformation process maintains configuration accuracy by systematically mapping and validating each parameter, ensuring compatibility across heterogeneous systems while preserving the intended replication behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9940044B2Method, apparatus or software for transferring a storage replication system between storage systems
Publication Date: 2018.04.10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US9940044B2 patent drawing
  • US9940044B2 patent drawing
  • US9940044B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, apparatus or software is disclosed for transferring storage replication system configurations between heterogonous storage systems.