Patent ID: 9710183
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: G06F

Claim:
1. A method that is performed by a processor for managing a primary storage device so that an amount of apparent free space on the primary storage device is effectively limitless, comprising: receiving a request to dynamically allocate an amount of desired free space on a discrete physical primary storage device that is physically separate from a discrete physical secondary storage device to store new data on the primary storage device; determining whether the amount of actual free space on the primary storage device is insufficient to permit allocation of the amount of desired free space on the primary storage device, by: in response to receiving the request, and in response to determining that the amount of actual free space on the primary storage device is insufficient to permit allocation of the amount of desired free space on the primary storage device, allocating the amount of desired free space on the primary storage device, wherein the existing data is moved from the primary storage device to the secondary storage device responsive to receipt of the request to dynamically allocate the amount of desired free space on the primary storage device.