Virtual Machine Disk Service Level Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The migration of virtual machine disks (VMDs) is complex and requires coordination between virtual machine administrators and data storage system administrators, with limited options available for migration outside the context of LUNs, leading to a cumbersome process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow virtual machine administrators to request a change in service level for VMDs by migrating them from one set of storage extents to another within the data storage system, enabling transparent migration without the need for direct involvement from data storage system administrators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual machine administrators coordinate with data storage system administrators to migrate VMDs, then migration can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the virtual machine administrative program can directly request service level changes for VMDs from the data storage system. This intermediary interface eliminates the need for direct coordination between virtual machine administrators and storage system administrators, simplifying the migration process while maintaining the necessary control and coordination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables virtual machine administrators to self-service by allowing them to directly request service level changes for VMDs through the data storage system's interface. The storage system automatically processes these requests and performs migrations without requiring human intervention from storage administrators, thus reducing process complexity and time.
2Ease of operation
If virtual machine administrators directly request service level changes for VMDs, then the migration process is simplified, but coordination with storage administrators is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface on the data storage system that can handle both direct requests from virtual machine administrators and traditional requests from storage administrators. This multi-functional interface maintains administrative coordination flexibility while enabling simplified direct operations, serving multiple administrative styles through a single system capability.
3Ease of operation
If migration is performed within the same data storage system between different storage extents, then transparency is improved, but options for migration are still limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into multiple storage extents with different service levels, allowing VMDs to be migrated between segments within the same system. This segmentation provides transparency for virtual machine administrators while the underlying system architecture maintains versatile migration options through different extent configurations and service level tiers.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for managing data storage for virtual machines in a data storage system includes receiving, from a virtual machine administrative program, a request to operate a virtual machine disk (VMD) at a different service level from one at which the data storage system is currently operating the VMD. In response to receiving the request, the data storage system migrates the VMD from a first set of storage extents providing a first service level to a second set of storage extents providing a second service level.