Storage method and hierarchical padding structure for direct access

Abstract

A data compression storage method and data compression hierarchical padding structure are provided for a direct access storage device (DASD) using fixed block architecture (FBA). A minimum page allocation defining a minimum number of sectors allocated for each logical compressed data page is selected. The DASD is segmented into at least one compression group. Each compression group has a fixed logical size and includes a selected number of DASD compressed data pages with an initial page allocation of a number of sectors. The initial page allocation is greater than or equal to the minimum page allocation. A minimum number of compressed data regions is allocated within each compression group. A selected number of additional compressed data regions including a plurality of sectors for padding is allocated within each compression group. The plurality of padding sectors are distributed between the compression pages. An exception region is allocated within each compression group. Compressed data is written to a selected DASD compressed data page and typically updated in place. Compressed data is written and updated to the selected DASD compressed data page using sector borrowing of available free sectors from adjacent pages if needed.