Workflow Design Tool for Automated Storage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage management tools are not easily customizable and fail to automate the entire end-to-end storage management process, as they are limited to specific vendor-specific storage-centric commands and require manual code modification to adapt to user-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A workflow design tool that uses a table-based layout for users to create, modify, and visualize storage management processes, allowing selection and ordering of storage commands, with configurable parameters and implicit dependencies, enabling customization and automation of end-to-end storage management without requiring extensive programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing storage management tools are used, then storage provisioning can be automated, but the tools are not easily customizable and require manual code modification to adapt to user-specific needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic workflow engine that allows storage management processes to be customized through configurable parameters and conditional logic rather than hard-coded sequences. Users can modify workflow behavior by adjusting parameters and adding custom commands without changing the underlying code structure, enabling both automation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization of storage provisioning workflows by changing parameters such as workflow steps, commands, and conditional logic within a unified framework. Instead of modifying code, users adjust workflow parameters and configurations to adapt to different storage scenarios and requirements.
2Extent of automation
If existing storage management tools are used, then vendor-specific storage commands can be automated, but the tools cannot automate the entire end-to-end storage management process including non-storage elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal workflow engine that can execute not only storage-specific commands but also server management, network configuration, virtualization, and application deployment commands. The unified framework treats all these diverse commands uniformly through a common workflow definition mechanism, enabling end-to-end automation across the entire IT infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the end-to-end storage management process into discrete, independently configurable workflow steps and commands. Each step can represent a different technological layer (storage, server, network, virtualization), and the workflow engine orchestrates them in sequence or parallel based on configured dependencies and conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual code modification is performed to customize storage workflows, then user-specific needs can be met, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a workflow definition layer as an intermediary between user requirements and system execution. This intermediate abstraction allows users to customize storage workflows through high-level workflow definitions and parameter configurations rather than directly modifying low-level code, significantly reducing customization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides templates and pre-defined workflow patterns that can be copied and adapted to specific needs. Instead of creating custom workflows from scratch or modifying code, users can start with existing workflow templates and modify parameters to fit their requirements, reducing both complexity and time required for customization.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a framework for automated storage processes and flexible workflow are disclosed. The framework provides a user workflow design tool to create and/or customize workflow automation processes without needing to write software code. Additionally, the workflow design tool provides a mechanism that allows the workflow to make decisions, such as selecting storage resources.