Patent ID: 7788302
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A data storage infrastructure for a communication network that produces a plurality of data flows of network data, the data storage infrastructure comprising: a plurality of data storage systems in communication with a plurality of storage interfaces via a plurality of network links and configured to store the network data, wherein the data storage systems are comprised of disk systems and wherein the disk systems are comprised of disks; a storage management system configured to display a first graphical view of the data storage infrastructure including the storage interfaces, the data storage systems, and the network links; the storage management system further configured to receive a first user input selecting, from the first graphical view, one of the data storage systems of the first graphical view, and in response to the first user input, to display a second graphical view of the disk systems in the selected data storage system, receive a second user input selecting, from the second graphical view, one of the disk systems in the selected data storage system of the second graphical view, and in response to the second user input, to display a third graphical view of the disks in the selected disk system, receive a third user input selecting, from the third graphical view, one of the disks in the selected disk system of the third graphical view, and in response to the third user input, to display product information for the selected disk; the storage management system further configured to receive a fourth user input selecting, from the first graphical view, the storage interfaces of the first graphical view, and in response to the fourth user input, to display a fourth graphical view of the selected storage interfaces, receive a fifth user input selecting, from the fourth graphical view, one of the storage interfaces, and in response to the fifth user input, to display product information for the selected storage interface; the storage management system further configured to receive a sixth user input selecting, from the first graphical view, the network links, and in response to the sixth user input, to display a fifth graphical view of the selected network links, receive a seventh user input selecting, from the fifth graphical view, one of the network links, and in response to the seventh user input, to display product information for the selected network link; and the storage management system further configured to determine and display a gap between the current data storage infrastructure and a target data storage infrastructure, wherein the gap comprises a personnel gap, a hardware gap, and a software gap, and the personnel gap indicates a difference between current hours and targeted hours for a primary organization and a secondary organization, wherein the primary organization comprises a main organization that provides a service, and the secondary organization comprises a support organization that assists in providing the service.