Volume Class Management for Automated Storage Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems, such as Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS) and z/OS, require extensive manual efforts to set up and manage large numbers of storage volumes, including establishing Volume Tables of Contents (VTOC) and configuring attributes like volume names and storage management, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for hundreds or thousands of volumes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to create volume classes with predefined attributes, automatically assigning and configuring new volumes with these attributes, including calculating optimal VTOC sizes based on existing volumes within the class, thereby streamlining the setup and management of multiple storage volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setup and configuration of each volume is performed, then proper volume configuration and VTOC establishment is ensured, but the time and labor required increases significantly when dealing with hundreds or thousands of volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines volume classes with predefined attributes and configurations before volumes are created. When a volume is created, the system automatically applies the pre-defined class attributes, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each volume individually. This preliminary preparation of configuration templates resolves the contradiction by ensuring correct configuration while reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses volume classes as templates that can be copied and applied to multiple volumes. Instead of manually configuring each volume from scratch, the system copies the predefined class attributes and automatically applies them to new volumes. This copying mechanism ensures configuration consistency while dramatically reducing the time required to setup multiple volumes.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of volume attributes is performed for each volume, then proper volume management is achieved, but the operational complexity and labor intensity increases for large numbers of volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates volume classes that serve as universal templates applicable to multiple volumes. A single volume class definition can be applied to many different volumes, making the system more versatile and easier to operate. Administrators only need to define the class once, and it automatically applies to all volumes in that class, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically applies volume class attributes to newly created volumes without requiring manual intervention. The volume creation process itself triggers the automatic application of class definitions, including VTOC size calculations and other attributes. This self-service mechanism maintains proper volume management while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If VTOC size is calculated manually for each volume, then accurate storage allocation is ensured, but the time consumption increases when managing large numbers of volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent automatically calculates VTOC size parameters based on volume attributes and class definitions. The system changes from manual parameter calculation to automated parameter determination, where the volume class definitions include pre-established rules for VTOC sizing. This automated parameter calculation ensures accuracy while eliminating the time-consuming manual calculation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for setting up and managing large numbers of storage volumes is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method enables a user to establish a volume class comprising various volume attributes. The method further enables the user to assign a volume or range of volumes to the volume class. Once the volume or range of volumes is assigned to the volume class, the method automatically sets up, without user invention, the volumes with the attributes designated for the volume class. When a new volume is assigned to the volume class, the method automatically sets up the new volume with the attributes of the volume class, including automatically calculating a VTOC size for the new volume based on VTOC sizes for volumes already assigned to the volume class. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.