Patent ID: 8671263
Filing Date: 2014-03-11
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: using at least one computer or processor to perform the steps of identifying at least a first storage tier of a plurality of storage tiers in a Dynamic Storage Tiering (DST) system, each storage tier having a performance characteristic, where storage space within the first storage tier is accessible via a plurality of logical addresses; monitoring at least one of the utilization of the plurality of storage tiers and the functionality of the DST system; detecting the placement of a hot spot stored within a continuous range of the plurality of logical addresses corresponding to the first storage tier; logically dividing the continuous range of the plurality of logical addresses into at least a first segment and a second segment so the first segment includes a proportionally larger amount of the hot spot than the second segment; moving the first segment into a second storage tier and retaining the second segment in the first storage tier when the second storage tier has a more desirable performance characteristic than the first storage tier, and moving the second segment into the second storage tier and retaining the first segment in the first storage tier when the second storage tier has a less desirable performance characteristic than the first storage tier; storing at least one data element associated with monitoring at least one of the utilization of the plurality of storage tiers over time and the functionality of the DST system; and analyzing the at least one data element to generate at least one determination associated with monitoring at least one of the utilization of the plurality of storage tiers over time and the functionality of the DST system, where the at least one determination is associated with at least one of utilization of higher performing storage tiers due to the storage of hot spots and utilization of higher performing storage tiers due to storage of data not from a hot spot.