Abstract: A query is received in a distributed storage system that asks for frequently accessed items of a select storage tier in a service store. The query is executed on at least one data summary structure maintained by a client node that corresponds with the select storage tier in the service store. Each data summary structure maintained by the client node summarizes a data stream of item access of the select storage tier during a period of time and different data summary structures from different periods of time are periodically merged so that the query is conducted on a merged data summary structure maintained by the client node. A result is returned from the executed query that is indicative of frequently accessed items of the select storage tier in the service store.

Abstract: A metadata query is received in as storage system from a client node that asks one or more questions regarding a set of metadata in a metadata store. The metadata query is executed on at least one metadata summary structure. Each metadata summary structure summarizes a metadata stream of metadata access during a period of time, and different metadata summary structures from different periods of time are periodically merged together so that the metadata query is conducted on a merged metadata summary structure. An answer is returned from the query executed on the merged metadata summary structure.

Abstract: During operation of a data center, telemetry data is gathered that is indicative of performance of a storage system. The data center includes a middleware client that abstracts and optimizes storage commands for an application operating in the data center. Via the middleware client, a change in the application's use of the storage system is determined. Responsive to the change in the application, a change in the storage system is determined that will result in an improvement in storage performance for the application. The change to the storage system is applied via the middleware client to affect subsequent access of the storage system by the application.

Abstract: During operation of a data center, telemetry data is gathered that is indicative of performance of a storage system. The data center includes a middleware client that abstracts and optimizes storage commands for an application operating in the data center. Via the middleware client, a change in the application's use of the storage system is determined. Responsive to the change in the application, a change in the storage system is determined that will result in an improvement in storage performance for the application.