Unified Storage Management for Heterogeneous Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems require complex manual processes to manage and connect multiple data centers, leading to inefficiencies in storage management and redundancy, especially in heterogeneous environments.
Innovation Solution
A distributed software platform that enables enterprise IT departments and cloud service providers to manage heterogeneous storage systems through a unified REST API and CLI, allowing for the registration of second data storage systems within a first data storage system, replicating databases to facilitate access and control across data centers, and providing component connection and management information for monitoring and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processes are used to manage and connect multiple data centers, then data center connectivity can be established, but the complexity of storage management increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data storage system that acts as an intermediary between multiple data centers, providing centralized management capabilities. This intermediary system handles the complexity of connecting and managing heterogeneous storage systems across data centers, while presenting a simplified interface to users. The system mediates between the physical complexity of distributed storage infrastructure and the user need for simple, unified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The data storage system is designed with universal management capabilities that can handle multiple functions across different data centers through a single interface. It provides unified access to heterogeneous storage systems, consolidates management tasks, and offers multi-functional operations (such as provisioning, monitoring, and data movement) through a common platform, thereby reducing the need for separate management processes for each data center.
2Reliability
If multiple heterogeneous storage systems are connected across data centers, then storage capacity and redundancy are improved, but the complexity of integration and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management of distributed storage systems into distinct functional modules within the data storage system. It divides the heterogeneous storage infrastructure into manageable components that can be individually connected, monitored, and controlled. This segmentation allows the system to handle complexity in a structured way while presenting a unified view to users, enabling reliable redundancy without requiring users to manage the underlying integration complexity.
3Productivity
If manual management processes are used for distributed storage systems, then implementation can be straightforward, but productivity and efficiency of storage operations decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage system implements self-service capabilities that automatically perform routine storage management tasks without requiring manual intervention. The system can autonomously provision storage resources, allocate capacity, manage data placement, and handle failover scenarios. This self-service automation eliminates time-consuming manual operations while maintaining straightforward implementation through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request to register a second data storage system of a second data center in a first data storage system of a first data center, storing data center connection information to connect the second data center to the first data center, replicating a database to the first data storage system and enabling a first data storage system to access and control components of the second data center using the component connection information and the component management information. The data base includes component connection information to connect the second storage system to the components of the second data center and component management information required to monitor and manage the components.