Abstract: A method for automatically (i.e., programmatically) determining a storage configuration for a storage system for a given application. The method may receive information on existing storage capabilities in the storage system and information regarding the software application that will use the storage system. The method may then automatically determine a storage configuration for the storage system based on the existing storage capabilities in the storage system, the information regarding the application, and application specific rules about storage configuration principles of the application. The rule may comprise priority information that specifies a priority in application of the rules, e.g., a structure or list of storage types in order of priority for different application data types.

Abstract: A method for configuring a new server with a server configuration, such as a storage configuration, backup configuration, etc. The method may automatically detect presence of a new server coupled to a network and then automatically determine one or more attributes, such as available storage, of the new server. The method may then automatically determine one or more server configurations for the new server. For example, software may examine existing server configurations stored in a repository or database to determine if one or more of the existing server configurations are usable for configuring the server, e.g., based at least in part on the determined attributes of the new server. If the user accepts a server configuration, software may then operate to automatically configure the new server accordingly. Embodiments are included for adding server configurations to the repository. A global server configuration repository is also contemplated.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a storage configuration for an application, where the storage configuration specifies a storage layout for data objects associated with the application. A Storage Configurator program may display a graphical user interface (GUI) for guiding the user through creation of the storage configuration. User input to specify properties of the storage configuration and/or properties of the application may be received to the graphical user interface. The Storage Configurator program may determine a storage configuration for the application, based on the user input received to the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a storage configuration for an application, where the storage configuration specifies a storage layout for data objects associated with the application. A Storage Configurator program may display a graphical user interface (GUI) for guiding the user through creation of the storage configuration. User input to specify properties of the storage configuration and/or properties of the application may be received to the graphical user interface. The Storage Configurator program may determine a storage configuration for the application, based on the user input received to the graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the Storage Configurator may provide an option allowing the user to save the storage configuration, e.g., in a file or database. Saving the storage configuration may allow the user to utilize the storage configuration at a later time. In one embodiment, the Storage Configurator may also provide an option allowing the user to implement the storage configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for balancing input/output load for a plurality of storage devices, such as a plurality of disks. According to one embodiment of the method, accesses (e.g., read and/or write accesses) to chunks located on the storage devices may be monitored, where each chunk comprises one or more file system clusters. Data indicating a number of accesses to each chunk may be stored, and a list of most frequently used chunks may be determined based on the data. The most frequently used chunks may then be balanced across the plurality of storage devices.

Abstract: A method for automatically (i.e., programmatically) determining a storage configuration for a storage system for a given application. The method may receive information on existing storage capabilities in the storage system and information regarding the software application that will use the storage system. The method may then automatically determine a storage configuration for the storage system based on the existing storage capabilities in the storage system, the information regarding the application, and application specific rules about storage configuration principles of the application. The rule may comprise priority information that specifies a priority in application of the rules, e.g., a structure or list of storage types in order of priority for different application data types.

Abstract: A software architecture for automatically (i.e., programmatically) determining a storage configuration of a storage system for a certain software application. Software programs which determine the storage configuration may have a modular software architecture that allows the software programs to be used for a plurality of different types of software applications. A storage configurator core engine program may be executable to perform the automatic storage configuration function that is independent of, or generic to, a plurality of possible software applications. The core engine program may be configured to interface with one of a plurality of possible application specific programs, depending on the software application for which the storage configuration is being determined. The core engine program may also be configured to interface with other programs or files in performing the automatic storage configuration function, such as a rule information file, a free space file, and user input.