Unified Cloud Storage Framework for Block and File Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems lack a unified framework for cloud storage of diverse data types, leading to inefficient solutions that require data conversion between block-based and file-based formats, with no common framework supporting both types effectively.
Innovation Solution
A unified framework that uses a single API to manage both block-type and file-type data by converting them into cloud-based objects through VTO and FTO components, with decision logic selecting the most efficient conversion method based on specific use cases, and is implemented in a cloud management appliance that communicates with data storage systems via a REST interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate cloud storage solutions are used for block-based and file-based data, then each data type can be managed with dedicated protocols, but the system complexity increases and data conversion between formats becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cloud storage framework that can handle both block-based and file-based data through a single API interface. The system uses abstraction layers that translate different data types into a unified object storage format, allowing one system to serve multiple data type requirements without needing separate specialized solutions for each format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary translation layers that convert between block-based protocols (iSCSI, Fibre Channel) and file-based protocols (NFS, CIFS) into a common object storage interface. These mediators handle the protocol translation and data format conversion, allowing diverse data types to be managed through a unified framework without direct interaction between incompatible protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data conversion between block-based and file-based formats is implemented, then compatibility with specific cloud storage solutions is improved, but processing time and system efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs data conversion and translation operations in advance, during data ingestion into the cloud storage system. By pre-converting block-based and file-based data into the unified object storage format at the time of upload, the system eliminates the need for real-time conversion during data access operations, thereby improving overall processing efficiency and reducing latency.
3Reliability
If multiple separate cloud storage solutions are maintained for different data types, then each solution can be optimized for its specific protocol, but management and administration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cloud storage management functions into a single unified management interface. By combining the management of block-based storage, file-based storage, and object storage into one system with a common API, the patent simplifies administration tasks while maintaining the underlying protocol-specific optimizations through the abstraction layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for managing cloud storage provides a unified framework that supports both block-type data, such as LUNs (Logical UNits) and volumes, and file-type data, such as files, and expresses both types of data in the form of objects, which form a common base for both types of data. The framework includes a single API (application program interface) for managing storage and retrieval of block-derived objects and file-derived objects from the cloud, e.g., from a cloud-based data store.