System Image File Management for Cloud Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing system image files in cloud services face inefficiencies in deleting unnecessary files, leading to resource wastage and incorrect deletion of files needed for future deployments, especially in environments using continuous integration methods.
Innovation Solution
A management system that assigns attributes to system image files based on their deployment environments and determines deletion based on these attributes, ensuring that files not required for future deployments are properly deleted while preserving those needed for production environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If system image files are deleted based on chronological order or simple rules, then storage resources are freed up, but necessary files for future deployments may be incorrectly deleted
Solution Approach 1:
The management system continuously monitors deployment status and system image usage across multiple environments. Before deleting any system image file, the system checks feedback from deployment records to confirm the file is not currently in use and will not be needed for future deployments. This feedback mechanism prevents incorrect deletion of necessary files while enabling safe deletion of obsolete images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks and assessments before executing deletion operations. It evaluates deployment history, tracks environment dependencies, and predicts future deployment needs before removing system image files. This preliminary action ensures that deletion decisions are made with complete information, preventing accidental loss of files needed for production or evaluation deployments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If system image files are retained for potential future use, then deployment flexibility is maintained, but storage resources are wasted on unnecessary files
Solution Approach 1:
The retention policy for system image files is dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts retention periods and deletion timing based on real-time deployment status, environment configuration, and usage patterns. Files actively used in production environments are retained indefinitely, while files from deprecated environments are scheduled for deletion. This dynamic approach maintains necessary deployment flexibility while minimizing storage waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters such as retention period, deletion priority, and storage allocation based on deployment environment type and usage status. System image files in development environments may have shorter retention periods compared to production environments. The system dynamically modifies these parameters to balance storage efficiency with deployment adaptability across different contexts.
3Productivity
If multiple system image files are created frequently for continuous integration deployments, then deployment frequency is increased, but storage management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management system operates autonomously to handle storage management tasks without requiring manual intervention. It automatically creates system image files when needed for deployments, monitors their usage across environments, determines deletion candidates based on predefined policies, and executes deletion operations. This self-service capability simplifies storage management complexity while supporting high-frequency continuous integration deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system performs multiple functions within a single unified platform: system image file creation, version management, deployment tracking, retention policy enforcement, and automated deletion. This multi-functional approach consolidates storage management complexity into a single system rather than requiring separate tools for each task, making it easier to manage even with frequent deployment cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A management system gives an instruction to assign a value of an attribute corresponding to an environment where a processing system including a virtual machine started using a system image file is constructed, to the system image file, determines, based on a condition according to the value of the attribute assigned to the system image file in response to the instruction, whether the system image file is to be deleted, and gives an instruction to delete, from a storage device, the system image file that has been determined to be deleted.