Virtual Machine Boot Volume Management via Networked Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud computing systems lack efficient space management and snapshot capabilities for booting virtual machines, as they often require conversion or copying of root volumes to cloud-associated storage, limiting data recovery and backup options.
Innovation Solution
The method involves booting a virtual machine from a root volume hosted in a third-party networked storage system using a network-based storage interface protocol, bypassing the need for conversion or copying to cloud-associated storage, and utilizing enterprise-grade data management for improved space efficiency and data recovery capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If root volumes are stored in cloud-associated storage provided by the same cloud provider, then the virtual machines can be booted reliably, but space efficiency and snapshot capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-associated storage system as an intermediary between the third-party networked storage system and the virtual machine. The root volume is copied from the third-party storage to the cloud-associated storage, which then serves as the boot volume. This intermediary approach allows the system to leverage both the space efficiency of third-party storage and the boot reliability of cloud-managed storage.
2Reliability
If root volumes are copied to cloud-associated storage for booting, then boot reliability is ensured, but storage space is wasted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create a boot volume from the root volume. The root volume stored in third-party networked storage is copied to cloud-associated storage to create a boot volume that can be reliably mounted by the virtual machine. This copying approach ensures boot reliability while allowing the original root volume to remain in the space-efficient third-party storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party networked storage systems are used for root volumes, then space efficiency and snapshot capabilities are improved, but direct booting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage functionality into two distinct parts: the root volume stored in third-party networked storage for space efficiency and snapshot capabilities, and a separate boot volume created in cloud-associated storage for reliable booting. This segmentation allows each storage system to operate in its optimal capacity while working together to satisfy all requirements.
4Productivity
If conversion or copying of root volumes is required to cloud-associated storage, then cloud computing platforms can boot virtual machines, but data recovery and backup options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capabilities of two storage systems: the space efficiency and snapshot capabilities of third-party networked storage with the boot reliability of cloud-associated storage. By maintaining the root volume in third-party storage and using it as the source for the boot volume, the system combines the advantages of both approaches while enabling comprehensive data recovery options through the third-party storage provider's snapshot and backup features.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a computing device, and a non-transitory machine-readable medium for booting a virtual machine. In response to a launch or initialization of a virtual machine, the virtual machine may attach a boot volume within a cloud-associated storage system. The boot volume contains a boot program. The boot program is loaded to the virtual machine from the boot volume. The virtual machine uses the boot program to acquire a boot configuration that includes a set of parameters and one or more commands for interfacing with a networked storage system and attaching a root volume within the networked storage system using a network-based storage interface protocol. The virtual machine boots its operating system from the root volume within the networked storage system.