Virtual SAN Implementation Using Oracle Coherence Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Storage Area Network (SAN) implementations require extensive hardware installation and configuration, making them cumbersome and costly to set up and manage.
Innovation Solution
A virtual SAN is implemented in software using a computing grid like Oracle Coherence, which allows for the definition of resources and state objects that can be handled independently, providing backup and expiration features, and enabling access through a URL handler or web container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hardware-based SAN implementation is used, then data storage and retrieval functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware-based SAN system with a software-based virtual SAN implementation. The virtual SAN is built using a computing grid (such as Oracle Coherence) that runs on standard server infrastructure, eliminating the need for specialized hardware components and complex physical installation. The state objects are handled independently from resources through software abstractions, allowing the system to maintain SAN functionality while removing hardware complexity.
2Productivity
If hardware-based SAN is implemented, then data storage capability is provided, but cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SAN functionality through software abstractions. Instead of requiring physical hardware copies and installations, the system uses state objects that can be replicated and distributed across the computing grid nodes. These state objects represent the SAN functionality in software form, allowing rapid deployment and elimination of time-consuming hardware installation processes while maintaining full data storage and retrieval capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual SAN with independent state object handling is implemented, then flexibility and backup capabilities improve, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SAN functionality into distinct components: resources and state objects. State objects are handled independently from resources, allowing each to be managed, replicated, and monitored separately across the computing grid. This segmentation enables flexible backup capabilities where state objects can be independently replicated to multiple nodes, and expiration policies can be applied selectively to different state objects without affecting the underlying resources. The Oracle Coherence computing grid provides the infrastructure to manage these segmented components with built-in replication and distribution mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for implementing a virtual Storage Area Network (SAN) in software. According to one embodiment, a method for implementing a virtual SAN can comprise defining an application for accessing a computing grid for storing information wherein defining the application for accessing the computing grid for storing the information comprises defining a resource and defining one or more state objects for the resource, wherein the one or more state objects are handled independent from the resource. For example, the computing grid can comprise an Oracle Coherence grid. Such a computing grid can maintain a primary copy and a backup copy of the information and provides the backup of the information if the primary copy is unavailable. The information stored on the computing grid can be accessed via the application.