Transient Cache for Tiered Cloud Storage Recall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems face inefficiencies when users need temporary access to cold files stored in cloud storage, as full recall of these files to primary storage is undesirable and current methods lack a solution for short-term retrieval without requiring the entire directory to be recalled.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a temporary cache that is exposed to the tiering software for a designated time period, allowing a subset of cold files to be retrieved from cloud storage without recalling the entire directory, and removing the cache once the time period expires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cold files are stored in cloud storage for long-term archiving, then storage cost is reduced, but data access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple tiers: cloud storage for long-term cold data archiving and a temporary cache for frequently accessed cold files. This segmentation allows data to be stored in the most appropriate location based on access patterns, reducing storage costs while maintaining fast access for needed files.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary cache acts as an intermediary between cloud storage and primary storage. It provides a buffer layer that enables fast access to cold files without requiring full recall to expensive primary storage, thus improving data access speed while maintaining cost efficiency.
2Speed
If cold files are recalled to primary storage for access, then data access speed is improved, but storage cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of recalling entire directories or all cold files to primary storage, the patent implements partial recall by creating a temporary cache that contains only the specific cold files that need to be accessed. This partial action approach improves access speed for needed files while avoiding the high cost of recalling unnecessary data.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary cache provides local quality improvement by creating a localized fast-access storage area for specific cold files that are currently needed. This local optimization allows fast access where needed without incurring the cost of improving the entire storage system.
3Speed
If a temporary cache is created for short-term retrieval, then data access speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of the cache by implementing automatic expiration and removal of the temporary cache after a designated time period. This parameter-based management simplifies the system by automatically cleaning up resources, reducing the complexity of manual cache management while maintaining fast access speeds.
4Reliability
If full recall of cold files is performed, then complete data availability is achieved, but loss of time and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively creating a temporary cache with the cold files that are likely to be needed, based on access patterns or user requests. This preliminary caching action ensures data availability when needed without requiring time-consuming full recalls, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises receiving a request to configure a temporary cache associated with at least one storage array and configuring the temporary cache in response to the request. In the method, the temporary cache is exposed to a tiering software portion of a tiering appliance for a designated time period, and a portion of data from one or more cloud storage platforms is stored in the temporary cache. The method also includes retrieving the portion of the data from the temporary cache in response to one or more read requests from one or more user devices, and removing the temporary cache in response to expiration of the designated time period.