Virtual Array Metadata Migration for Non-Disruptive Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for partitioning storage systems into virtual arrays are complex and expensive, operating only at the storage array level, and lack a simple, cost-effective mechanism for presenting virtual arrays to host systems and migrating data between them.
Innovation Solution
A method for migrating data from a source virtual array to a destination virtual array transparently, involving the replication of metadata associated with the source virtual array to the destination array, allowing for seamless data migration without disrupting host communication or requiring modifications to management applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data migration is performed between virtual arrays, then storage flexibility and consolidation capability are improved, but metadata loss or corruption occurs disrupting host communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by copying metadata from the source virtual array to the destination virtual array before the actual data migration occurs. This ensures that the destination array is pre-configured with all necessary metadata (including extended functionality metadata from applications like SnapView, Remote Snap, and MetroClone), allowing seamless data migration without disrupting host communication or losing metadata integrity.
2Reliability
If virtual array partitioning is performed at the storage array level, then data security and exclusive access are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary that enables virtual array partitioning and management. By maintaining and migrating metadata that describes virtual array configurations, logical unit assignments, and access permissions, the system achieves data security and exclusive host access without requiring complex hardware-level partitioning mechanisms. The metadata acts as a virtual layer that simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extended storage functionality metadata is migrated, then application functionality is preserved after migration, but migration time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a complete replica of metadata from the source virtual array at the destination virtual array before data migration. This includes copying not only basic virtual array metadata but also extended functionality metadata from host applications. By copying metadata in advance and maintaining it during migration, the system preserves full application functionality while enabling parallel data transfer, thereby reducing overall migration time.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a storage network and method of migrating data from a source virtual array to a destination virtual array transparently with respect to a storage application executing on a host. The storage application provides particular storage functionality at a source storage array while using metadata during its execution. The metadata used by the storage application are associated with the source virtual array and forwarded, during a data migration event in which data resident in logical units of storage (LUNs) of the source virtual array are copied to LUNs of the destination virtual array, to a destination storage array where the metadata is associated with the destination virtual array.