Storage Space Management via Dynamic Allocation and Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage systems, pre-provisioned storage space often goes unused, leading to inefficiencies as it cannot be dynamically allocated to other users until the initial user's storage needs increase, resulting in underutilization and potential data unavailability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage insurance and liability model that allows storage space to be allocated only when needed, using a combination of thinly and thickly provisioned logical units, and enabling compression for both types of storage objects to optimize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-provisioned storage space is allocated to users, then storage availability is improved, but storage utilization deteriorates due to underutilization when initial users' storage needs are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage allocation where pre-provisioned storage space can be automatically reallocated to other users when the initial user's storage needs are not met. The system continuously monitors storage usage and dynamically adjusts allocations, transforming static pre-provisioned space into dynamic resources that optimize both availability and utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the provisioning parameter from fixed pre-provisioning to flexible on-demand allocation. By implementing thin provisioning technology, the storage system allows users to reserve logical storage space without physically allocating all the space upfront, and automatically allocates physical storage resources based on actual usage patterns, thereby resolving the contradiction between guaranteed availability and efficient utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If compression is enabled for storage objects, then storage capacity is improved, but processing complexity increases due to compression/decompression operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compression algorithms to storage data in advance during data writing operations, so that compressed data is stored from the beginning rather than compressing data on-the-fly during read operations. This preliminary compression action reduces the overall storage capacity requirements while minimizing processing complexity during data retrieval, as the decompression can be handled efficiently during the initial data transfer phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is used in managing storage space in storage systems. A request is received to write data to a logical storage object. A determination is made as to whether the data can be written to the logical storage object in a compressed format. Based on the determination, the request is processed based on a storage insurance value and a storage liability value associated with the logical storage object. The storage insurance value and storage liability value is determined based on the number of uncompressed blocks included in the logical storage object.