Patent ID: 9146679
Filing Date: 2015-09-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
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: intercepting a request from a computer program to a discrete physical primary storage device that is physically separate from a discrete physical secondary storage device to dynamically allocate an amount of desired free space on the primary storage device to store new data on the primary storage device, the request targeting the primary storage device such that at least at a time of initiating the request, an originator of the request is unaware that data stored on the primary storage device is movable to the secondary storage device to increase an amount of actual free space on the primary storage device; in response to intercepting 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 and writing new data of the request to the primary storage device such that the new data is stored to the primary storage device first before ever being moved to the secondary storage device, wherein the existing data is moved from the primary storage device to the secondary storage device responsive to interception of the request to dynamically allocate the amount of desired free space on the primary storage device, wherein the method is performed automatically such that movement of the existing data and allocation of the amount of desired free space are performed without having to be manually initiated, controlled, or managed by an originator of the request, and such that the originator of the request is unaware that the existing data has been moved to the secondary storage device.