Virtual Storage Allocation via Remote Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional step-ahead storage solutions are inefficient as they require vendors to provide fixed storage hardware, which is not easily transferable between machines and can lead to costly manual installations when additional storage is needed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing on-demand storage capacity using a remote storage server that virtually connects to a local storage server via a virtual array site code, allowing dynamic allocation and configuration of storage without the need for physical hardware changes, utilizing a virtual array site object to manage storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed storage hardware is provided to customers in advance, then storage capacity is immediately available, but the hardware cannot be easily transferred between machines and requires costly manual installation when additional storage is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of storage capacity through virtualization technology. Instead of physically moving or reinstalling storage hardware, the system creates virtual storage objects that can be copied and transferred between machines, enabling seamless portability while maintaining immediate storage availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical storage hardware system with a virtualized storage system managed through software. This substitution eliminates the need for physical hardware manipulation, manual installation, and machine-specific hardware constraints, allowing storage to be dynamically allocated and transferred across different machines.
2Quantity of substance
If additional storage hardware is installed manually when step-ahead storage is underestimated, then storage capacity is increased, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring virtual storage templates and capacity allocations before they are actually needed. When storage is required, the system can rapidly instantiate virtual storage objects from these pre-configured templates, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual hardware installation and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic storage allocation where virtual storage capacity can be automatically provisioned, expanded, and transferred based on real-time demands. This dynamic system replaces static manual installation processes, allowing storage capacity to be adjusted instantly without physical hardware changes or lengthy configuration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unused storage is included in hardware provided to customers, then on-demand storage is available, but the vendor provides storage hardware at a fixed cost regardless of actual usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual storage system where a single pool of physical storage resources can serve multiple customers and functions dynamically. The virtualized storage infrastructure allows the same physical hardware to be allocated to different customers on-demand, eliminating the need for vendors to provision dedicated unused storage for each customer while maintaining on-demand availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where customers can automatically provision and manage their own virtual storage resources from the available pool. This eliminates the need for vendors to manually allocate and configure physical storage hardware for each customer, reducing vendor overhead and costs while maintaining flexible on-demand access for customers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product for providing on-demand storage capacity on a remote storage server to a customer is provided. A virtual array site code is received. The remote storage server is virtually connected to a local storage server of the customer in response to receiving the virtual array site code. Subsequent to receiving an activation request from the customer, a command is executed on the remote storage server to provide the virtual array site code to the customer. A virtual array site object is created on the local storage server corresponding to an array site object on the remote storage server.