Method for creating a large-scale storage array system out of multiple mid-range storage arrays

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for creating a large-scale storage array by combining multiple mid-range storage arrays via a host based aggregation engine software application. Each mid-range storage array, also call a storage building block, consists of one or more RAID volumes. Each mid-range storage array has equivalent configuration and property settings including number of drives, RAID level, volume segment sizes, and volume cache settings, but not including the volume label. The complex combination of mid-range storage arrays appears as a single storage system to a data management application of a host computer system. Once the mid-range storage arrays are aggregated into a large-scale storage array, or storage complex array, common features may be modified as a collection of items so that a common modification need only be entered one time for all items in the collection. The storage complex array also permits a management application to interact with the storage complex array as a virtual volume without the need to handle the complexities of the individual mid-range storage arrays. A separate graphical user interface application permits a system administrator to configure the aggregation engine without putting the burden of graphics and user interaction into the operation of the aggregation engine. The host based aggregation engine provides cost savings by creating a high end storage system without the need for costly specialized hardware. The aggregation engine is also scalable, permitting the addition or subtraction of mid-range storage arrays.