Unified Storage Management Interface for Heterogeneous Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage environments with multiple systems, such as CLARiiON and Celerra, require users to learn and manage distinct graphical management interfaces, leading to time-consuming training and maintenance as new versions are introduced, due to their unique and differently presented functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A storage system management device provides a dynamic environment management interface that changes based on user selection, allowing access to management functionalities of multiple data storage systems from a single graphical user interface, with navigation controls adapting to the selected system, enabling unified management across heterogeneous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate graphical management interfaces are provided for each storage system, then each storage system can present its unique functionalities, but users must learn and operate multiple interfaces which increases training time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management interface that can manage multiple heterogeneous storage systems (CLARiiON, Celerra, and future storage systems) through a single unified GUI. The interface dynamically adapts its display and navigation based on the selected storage system, providing system-specific functionality while maintaining a consistent user experience across all systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The management interface dynamically changes its content, navigation controls, and display based on which storage system is selected. When a user selects a different storage system, the interface automatically updates to show relevant navigation controls and management functions for that specific system, making the interface adaptive rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of storage systems are added to the environment, then the storage environment becomes more versatile, but users must learn new versions of graphical interfaces while maintaining knowledge of existing interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The unified management interface is designed to accommodate multiple versions of storage systems (e.g., different versions of CLARiiON and Celerra) within a single interface framework. The interface automatically adapts to the specific version selected, eliminating the need for users to learn separate interfaces for different versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adjusts its navigation controls and management functions based on the selected storage system version. This dynamic adaptation ensures that users interact with the most appropriate controls for their specific system version, reducing training requirements and maintaining consistency across versions.
3Ease of operation
If a single unified management interface is provided for heterogeneous storage systems, then user training is simplified and operational efficiency improves, but the interface must dynamically adapt to different system functionalities which increases interface complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The management interface is segmented into modular components that can be dynamically loaded and displayed based on the selected storage system. The interface separates common management functions from system-specific functions, allowing the core interface to remain simple while adding complexity only when needed for specific system support.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface uses dynamic loading and unloading of navigation controls and management functions based on the selected storage system. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to appear simple for most common systems while providing detailed functionality when needed, managing perceived complexity through on-demand functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A heterogeneous data storage environment includes a first and second data storage system where the first data storage system includes management functionalities that are distinct from the management functionalities included by the second data storage system. A storage system management device is displays an environment management interface that dynamically changes based upon a user's need to manage either the first or second storage system. For example the storage system management device provides a default environment management interface for the first data storage system that includes a custom management display that allows the user to access the management functionalities associated with the first data storage system. The storage system management device dynamically changes the content of the environment management interface to provide a custom management display associated with the user selection of a second data storage system.