{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854037","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854037","title":"Identifying workload and sizing of buffers for the purpose of volume replication","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-05-13T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","H04L","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A controller is operable to: identify virtual machines to be protected in a first storage system; identify logical volumes used by the virtual machines based on first relationship information; calculate workload, based on information of workload monitored for the identified logical volumes; and calculate size of a buffer area in the first storage system to be used for temporarily storing copy data to be sent to a second storage system in remote copy procedure of one or more remote copy pairs, based on the calculated workload, each copy pair being formed by a logical volume of the identified logical volumes in the first storage system as primary logical volume and another logical volume in the second storage system as secondary logical volume, so that the buffer area having a size equal to or greater than the calculated size can be used to manage protection of the identified virtual machines."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent addresses the critical need for efficient data replication in modern storage systems. The core innovation lies in dynamically sizing buffer areas based on real-time workload analysis. This approach solves the problem of inefficient resource allocation associated with static buffer sizing methods, which often lead to either performance bottlenecks or wasted storage space. The technology achieves this by identifying virtual machines to be protected, determining the logical volumes they use, and calculating workload based on monitored information. This allows for precise buffer sizing, ensuring that sufficient space is available for temporary storage of copy data during remote copy procedures.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a controller that monitors workload, identifies volume relationships, and dynamically adjusts buffer sizes. This ensures that resources are allocated optimally, even as workload patterns change over time. The business value of this innovation is significant. By enabling more granular control over buffer sizing, organizations can tailor their data protection strategies to specific application needs. This results in reduced storage costs, improved data transfer speeds, and enhanced overall system reliability.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. As data volumes continue to grow exponentially, the need for intelligent data replication solutions will only increase. The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent is well-positioned to meet this demand, offering a scalable and cost-effective approach to data protection. This technology has the potential to transform data management strategies across various industries, from finance and healthcare to e-commerce and cloud computing.","layman_explanation":"Data replication is the process of copying data from one location to another to ensure data availability and protect against data loss. This is crucial for businesses to maintain operations in case of disasters or system failures. However, traditional data replication methods often suffer from inefficiencies due to static buffer allocation. Buffers are temporary storage areas used to hold data during the replication process. If the buffer is too small, data transfer can be slow and unreliable. If the buffer is too large, valuable storage space is wasted. The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent solves this problem by dynamically adjusting buffer sizes based on real-time workload analysis.\n\nThe technology works by monitoring the workload of the data being replicated and adjusting the buffer size accordingly. It identifies the virtual machines that need protection and determines the logical volumes they use. Based on this information, the system calculates the optimal buffer size for each remote copy pair. This ensures that the buffer is large enough to handle the data transfer efficiently but not so large that it wastes storage space. Think of it like a water hose: sometimes you need a small trickle, sometimes a powerful stream. This technology adjusts the hose (buffer) to match the need.\n\nThe impact of this technology is significant. It enables businesses to optimize their data replication processes, reduce storage costs, and improve system reliability. By dynamically sizing buffers, the system ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, leading to faster data transfer and reduced downtime. This translates into significant cost savings and improved business continuity. The market opportunity for this technology is substantial, with the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective data replication solutions.\n\nFuture applications of this technology include integration with cloud computing platforms and further optimization of the buffer sizing algorithms. As data volumes continue to grow, the need for intelligent data replication solutions will only increase. This technology is well-positioned to meet this demand and transform data management strategies across various industries. Investment in this area promises significant returns as businesses seek to optimize their data infrastructure.","technical_analysis":"The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent presents a novel approach to optimizing data replication in storage systems. The core innovation is the dynamic sizing of buffer areas based on real-time workload analysis. The architecture comprises a workload monitoring module, a volume identification module, a buffer sizing algorithm, and a data transfer module. The workload monitoring module continuously tracks the I/O activity of logical volumes, providing real-time data on workload intensity. The volume identification module maps virtual machines to their corresponding logical volumes, enabling the system to understand the data dependencies between virtualized resources. The buffer sizing algorithm uses the workload data and volume relationships to calculate the optimal buffer size for each remote copy pair. The data transfer module manages the actual data replication process, ensuring that data is transferred efficiently and reliably.\n\nThe implementation details involve sophisticated algorithms for workload analysis and buffer sizing. The workload analysis algorithm uses statistical techniques to identify patterns and trends in I/O activity. The buffer sizing algorithm takes into account factors such as workload intensity, data transfer rates, and storage capacity to determine the optimal buffer size. The integration patterns involve seamless integration with existing storage systems and virtualization platforms. The system can be deployed as a software component or as a hardware appliance. The performance characteristics of the system are excellent, with significant improvements in data transfer speeds and storage utilization. The code-level implications involve careful optimization of the algorithms and data structures to ensure high performance and scalability. The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent represents a significant advancement in data storage optimization.","business_analysis":"The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent presents a compelling business opportunity in the data storage market. The market opportunity size is substantial, with the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective data replication solutions. The competitive advantages of this technology include dynamic buffer sizing, real-time workload analysis, and seamless integration with existing storage systems. The revenue potential is significant, with opportunities for licensing the technology to storage vendors, offering it as a service in the cloud, and selling it as a hardware appliance. The business models include licensing, subscription, and product sales. The strategic positioning of this technology is excellent, with its ability to address the critical need for data replication optimization. The ROI projections are attractive, with the potential for significant cost savings and revenue growth. The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent has the potential to transform data management strategies across various industries.","faqs":[{"answer":"Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication is a patented technology that dynamically adjusts the size of buffer areas in storage systems based on real-time workload analysis. This approach optimizes data replication processes, leading to improved data transfer speeds, reduced storage costs, and enhanced system reliability. The core innovation lies in the controller's ability to monitor workload, identify volume relationships, and dynamically adjust buffer sizes. This ensures that resources are allocated optimally, even as workload patterns change over time. The Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication patent represents a significant advancement in data storage optimization. This technology has the potential to transform data management strategies across various industries, from finance","question":"What is Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication?"}],"topics":["data replication","buffer sizing","workload management","storage optimization","virtual machines","identifying","workload","sizing"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication - Patent US-9854037","description":"Discover how Identifying Workload and Sizing of Buffers for the Purpose of Volume Replication optimizes data replication by dynamically sizing buffers. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["data replication","buffer sizing","workload management","storage optimization","virtual machines","remote copy","patent","patent US-9854037"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854037","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854037","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Identifying workload and sizing of buffers for the purpose of volume replication\" (US-9854037). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854037","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854037","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854037","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T09:42:09.020Z"}