MANAGEMENT METHOD AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR COMPUTER SYSTEM
Technical field
[0001]
The present invention provides method of managing a computer system, and to a management system, for example, a storage area in the storage subsystem, a method of managing divided into a plurality of hierarchies, and a management system that performs such control.
Background technique
[0002]
There has been an idea a virtualization technology and Thin Provisioning technology, it has been proposed to be the storage hierarchy management in units smaller than the logical volume (storage hierarchy management technology).
[0003]
In this storage hierarchy management technique, a virtual logical volume according to the Thin Provisioning (hereinafter, a virtual volume) to storage areas of a plurality of partial regions (hereinafter, referred to as "virtual space") is divided into, in units of the virtual area , substantial storage space from a storage device belonging to any level (hereinafter, the real area) is allocated to is selected. For example, according to Patent Document 1, the storage area of ​​the storage area and the physical storage devices in the virtual volume, each divided into two or more virtual areas and real area, in that each virtual area, allocates one real region. Further, for each real area, and it records the number of accesses and the number of accesses an allowable range from the host computer, to migrate data in the real area of ​​the number of accesses exceeds the allowable range, the real area of ​​the storage device in accordance with the access state .
CITATION
Patent literature
[0004]
Patent Document 1: The United States Patent Publication No. 2007/0283079 Publication
Summary of the invention
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0005]
　In the above Patent Document 1 described technology, to identify the device from the past access history data has characteristics suitable for storing the data, to migrate the data to the device.
[0006]
　However, in the conventional storage hierarchy management technique as described in Patent Document 1, since simply just running the data migration based on the number of accesses, the cost represented by time or performance load required for data migration it is difficult to realize the transfer of data efficiently in consideration.
[0007]
　The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, it is to provide a technique for realizing a more efficient data transfer.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008]
　In order to solve the above problems, the present invention, the management system acquires the load concentration area change information indicating a change in position of the virtual area as a hot spot in the virtual volume of the storage subsystem (the amount of change in the access distribution). And, specific the management system, based on the load concentration area change information, is invariant to become time zone position of the virtual region to be a hot spot the load position invariant time zone that indicates the (stable time zone location of the hot spot) , and displays it on the display device.
[0009]
　Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments and the accompanying drawings for carrying out the present invention below.
Effect of the invention
[0010]
　According to the present invention, the administrator will be able know the time zone that can perform rearrangement processing of the real area efficiently (prediction).
Brief description of the drawings
[0011]
[1] is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the host computer 101.
Is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of FIG. 3 the storage subsystem 102.
4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a RAID group management table 308.
Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. 5 the real area management table 309.
6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a VVOL management table 311 in the first embodiment.
Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. 7 hierarchy definition table 310.
Is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of [8] the management computer 103.
Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. 9 access distribution changing history table 805.
It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. 10 relocation time zone management table 806.
It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. 11 the managing RAID group management table 807.
Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. 12 the managing real area management table 808.
13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a management-side VVOL management table 810 in the first embodiment.
It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. 14 managing-hierarchy definition table 809.
It is a flow chart for explaining the [15] processing corresponding to the read request.
It is a flowchart illustrating a process corresponding to FIG. 16 write request.
Is a flow chart for explaining the [17] access distribution amount of change calculation processing.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the rearrangement time period calculation processing in the first embodiment.
19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a distribution variation threshold input screen 1901.
[20] Access distribution variation to be displayed on the administrator decisions display area 1905 of the screen 1901 shows a display mode example by graphs.
It is a flow chart for illustrating the FIG. 21 relocation process.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of VVOL management table 311 in the second embodiment.
23 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a management-side VVOL management table 810 in the second embodiment.
Is a diagram showing the concept of FIG. 24 process all data in the real area to the unallocated area of the virtual area corresponding to the real area when it becomes zero (zero Inkura mation).
[FIG. 25] is a flowchart for explaining the rearrangement process in the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012]
　The present invention relates to a technique for controlling a real storage area allocated review time zone for the virtual logical volume according to Thin Provisioning. In the following embodiment, for each virtual volume, the collection of access from the host computer, the data on the distribution of the virtual space in the volume. By analyzing the value, for each virtual volume, it specifies the period during which the access distribution does not change. For each virtual volume, according to the time zone in which access distribution does not change, do to the virtual area in the virtual volume, review the process of allocation the real area (below, relocation processing) a. Thus, the administrator of the computer system, simply by setting a threshold value for specifying a time zone in which access distribution does not change to the virtual volume, the relocation processing time period for performing to give the effect over a long period of time can be limited when it is expected to be, the effect can be prevented that the re-arrangement process is performed to increase in the operational costs of performance degradation or storage subsystem by low.
[0013]
　Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the embodiment is only an example for implementing the present invention, it should be note that this is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is denoted by the same reference numbers are used for common configurations in each drawing.
[0014]
　Note that in the following description explaining the various types of information of the present invention by the expression "aaa tables", these information may not necessarily be not be represented in the data structure according to the table, list, DB, data queue like structure and it may be represented otherwise. Therefore, "aaa tables" to indicate that does not depend on the data structure may be referred to as "aaa list", "aaaDB", the "aaa Queue" and "aaa Information".
[0015]
　Further, in describing the content of each information, "identification information", "identifier", "Name", "Name", it is possible to use the term "ID", it can be replaced with each other for these it is.
[0016]
　Furthermore, since although the following description sometimes be described as the subject of "program", the program is performed while using a memory and a communication port processing stipulated by being executed by a processor (communication control unit), the processor it may be used as the description that was subject to. Further, the process disclosed the program as the subject computer such as a management server may be a process of the information processing apparatus. Some or all of the program may be realized by dedicated hardware or may be modular. Various programs may be installed on each computer by the program distribution server or storage media.
[0017]
(1) First Embodiment
　
　Before describing the structure and operation of the computer system according to the present embodiment in detail, first, an outline of the characteristic processing of the computer system. The computer system includes a host computer and management system to the storage subsystem. Management system, to manage the storage subsystem. Management system may be included in the storage subsystem or host computer. The storage subsystem provides a pool, and a plurality of virtual volumes.
[0018]
　Pool is composed of a plurality of hierarchies. Hierarchy is a set of real area having the same performance. Hierarchy is defined by a particular value representing the example performance, it encloses the real area having the same performance as the performance represented by that value. Hierarchy, with concept of high and low as compared to other layers. The height of the hierarchy, depends on the height of the performance of the hierarchy. Here, the term "performance" is, for example, access performance. The access performance, for example, response time or data transfer rate, there is IOPS (number of access requests processed per unit time). As an example of an access request is a write request or a read request.
[0019]
　Each layer is composed of two or more real areas. Thus, the pool can be said to be composed of a plurality of real areas. Real area is a part of the storage area of ​​the physical storage devices and / or RAID group. Hierarchy of performance is dependent on the performance of the real area constituting the hierarchy. Performance of the real area, for example, depend on the type of physical storage device with the real area, the number of storage devices participating in RAID level and / or RAID group, the RAID group. As the type of the physical storage devices, e.g., a SSD, there are SAS-HDD, and SATA-HDD.
[0020]
　The virtual volume is comprised of a plurality of virtual areas (virtual storage area). Each virtual region, more than one, the real area respectively assigned. Incidentally, in the virtual area, it may not be real area is allocated. Storage subsystem, upon receiving a write request for such a virtual area (virtual area unallocated) from the host computer, a real area is not allocated to any virtual area (real area unallocated), the allocated to the virtual area.
[0021]
　Hereinafter, an outline of processing executed in the present embodiment. The processing performed in this embodiment, for example, there is a (i) and access distribution variation calculation processing, (ii) a relocation time period calculation process, (iii) rearrangement process. Briefly described below for these summary.
[0022]
　(I) access distribution variation calculation processing
　management system calculates the amount of change in the access distribution of each virtual volume having the storage subsystem, is recorded. Here, the access distribution of the virtual volume, for example, a set of numbers that is accessed from the host computer to each virtual area in the virtual volume. As a result, know how much percentage of the amount of access the entire virtual volume is in each virtual area is, therefore, be seen that the position of the hot spot at a certain point in time (the virtual area where the load is applied). In addition, the amount of change in the access distribution of the virtual volume is an index indicating the position of the virtual area is changed to be how hot spots with time in the virtual volume (load concentration range change index) . For example, the "amount of change in the access distribution is large" in one virtual volume, which means that the virtual area to be accessed is rapidly changing, the "amount of change in the access distribution is small", one in the virtual volume, regardless of the access number, (less movement in the position of the hot spot) is less change in the virtual area to be accessed which means that.
[0023]
　Incidentally, specify the range of addresses of all or a portion of the target virtual area the "number of accesses to the virtual area" refers to the number of processes (or including or processing) has been completed access request. For example, a part or all of the virtual area where there is an address range of the access request if the (Stated another way, the virtual area would contain the address range), increase the number of access of only the virtual region number of the request . As another example, if the address range of the access request includes a part or all of each of the plurality of virtual regions, the number of the request to increase the number of accesses each virtual area. Incidentally, if the size of the virtual area is large because the cases like the latter infrequently occur, it may be increased by the counted number of the virtual area containing the first address range specified by the access request.
[0024]
　The amount of change in access distribution of the virtual volume is, for example, and the information about the access distribution of the virtual volume of at some point in the past, can be calculated from the information related to access the distribution of the current of the virtual volume. Management system, for example, periodically or repeatedly (may not be periodic, there may be deviation of some time acquisition interval), it acquires information about the access counts for each virtual volume from the storage subsystem, the previous together with the obtained information to calculate the amount of change in the access distribution of the virtual volume, it is recorded in time series. In this case, information about the access counts for the virtual volume may be recorded only information previously obtained, as compared with the case of recording the information about the access counts for the virtual volume in a time series, computing management system of the amount of change in the access distribution it is possible to reduce the storage space required to record the information to be used for.
[0025]
　(Ii) rearranged time slot calculation processing
　management system, each time analyzing the sequence data of the variation in the access distribution of the virtual volume, the time zone to review the allocation status of the real area to the virtual area in each virtual volume (hereinafter, calculating and recording the relocation time zone). For example, for each virtual volume, each time zone that separated one day every hour (for example, 9: 00-10: 00, 10: 00-11: 00, etc.) the amount of change in the average value of the access distribution in a, calculated from the amount of change data access distribution of the last week of the virtual volume, the small time zone than a certain threshold value is the average value is recorded as the relocation time zone of the virtual volume.
[0026]
　In this process the amount of change is small time zone of access distribution of "virtual volume, a change in the state of access to each virtual area in the virtual volume is also small, and even physical storage device and / or a RAID group to be allocated to each virtual region change there is a high possibility that does not. Therefore, if Minaose the allocation situation of the real area to the initial of the time zone for the virtual area in the virtual volume, until the end of time of the time zone is possible it is not necessary to change the allocation situation sex is based on the idea that high ".
[0027]
　The length of the time zone which is a unit for calculating the mean value of the variation in the access distribution (1 hour in the above process) is, for example, may be 10 minutes or 3 hours. Further, the period for calculating the average value (one week in the above process) may be, for example, 3 days or 1 month. Further, repositioning time period, for example may include information on date or day of the week. If so, including information other than the time zone may not include time zone information. If that does not contain a time zone information, the management system, a specific time of day and / or day of the week repositioning time period shown, and instructs the execution of the relocation process in the storage subsystem.
[0028]
　(Iii) relocation process
　by the relocation time zone calculation processing, but the movement of the hot spot is small (little) time zone can be obtained, not the position of the hot spot is obtained in this time zone. To perform a relocation process in accordance with the position of the hot spot, it is necessary to observe certain time the number of accesses to each virtual area in the corresponding time period.
[0029]
　Therefore, the management system calculates the rearranged time slot calculation processing, after a predetermined period from the start time of the re-arrangement time period of the recorded virtual volume, for example, 30 minutes after, the allocation of actual areas to the virtual area in the virtual volume review the situation. For example, the management system, for each virtual area in the virtual volume, the number of accesses to the virtual area, whether exceeds the access number range corresponding to the hierarchy with a real area allocated to the virtual area to decide. Management system of the above determination result, the virtual area is judged to be out of range, the real area allocated to the virtual area (hereinafter, the real area of ​​the source) in place, to the virtual area real area in the hierarchy corresponding to the access number of the range that the number of access fits (or less, the actual area of ​​the destination) assign a. More specifically, the management system to the storage subsystem, to transition the data of the migration source real region with the real area of ​​the destination.
[0030]
　
　FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the computer system 10 includes a host computer 101 and the storage subsystem 102 are connected by a storage area network 105. Further, the management system 107 and the storage subsystem 102 are connected by a management network 106. Management system 107 and the host computer 101 may be connected via a management network 106. Management system 107 includes a management computer 103 and a Web browsing for computer 104.
[0031]
　The management and the computer 103 and computer 104 for Web browsing may be the same computer, may also achieves the same function in each of a plurality of computers. In other words, to manage the computer system 10, a set of one or more computers to display the display information of the present invention may be referred to as a management system. If the management computer 103 displays the display information is management computer 103 managed system, also, as shown in FIG. 1, the management computer 103 and the display computer (for Web browsing computer) 104 also management system combination of 107, which is. In addition, for the display case it may be implemented the same processing and management computer in a plurality of computers in order to increase the speed and reliability of the management process, in this case the plurality of computers (the display for the computer display is performed computer including), which is the management system.
[0032]
　Further, the storage area network 105 and the management network 106 may be the same network.
[0033]
　The host computer 101 sends an access request to the storage subsystem 102. Storage subsystem 102 receives an access request via the storage area network 105 from the host computer 101, processes the access request.
[0034]
　Management system 107 transmits a control request to the storage subsystem 102 (e.g., request for execution of the relocation process). Storage subsystem 102 receives a control request from the management system 107 through the management network 106, and performs processing in accordance with the control request.
[0035]
　Incidentally, the computer system 10 may include a plurality of host computers 101. Similarly, computer system 10 may include a plurality of storage subsystems 102.
[0036]
　
　Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the host computer 101. The host computer 101 includes a SAN port 203 for realizing the connection with the storage area network 105, a memory 202, a CPU 201 coupled to memory 202 and the SAN port 203, a.
[0037]
　SAN port 203 is connected to the storage area network 105.
[0038]
　The memory 202 may include one or more application programs 204 are stored. Each application program 204 is executed by CPU201, via a SAN port 203 and a storage area network 105, transmits an access request to the storage subsystem 102.
[0039]
　
　FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the storage subsystem 102. Storage subsystem 102 includes a plurality of physical storage devices 305 having different properties, has a controller 312, which are connected to each other via a circuit such as an internal bus. If the physical storage device 305 of the same kind are multiple, they may be formed a RAID configuration. A plurality of physical storage devices 305 which are formed a RAID configuration to constitute a RAID group 306.
[0040]
　The controller 312 includes a SAN port 302 for connecting to the storage area network 105, a LAN port 303 for connecting to the management network 106, a memory 304, a CPU 301 connected to them.
[0041]
　SAN port 302 is a port connected to the storage area network 105. SAN port 302 receives an access request from the host computer 101.
[0042]
　LAN port 303 is a port that is connected to the management network 106. LAN port 303 receives a control request from the management system 107.
[0043]
　In the memory 304, a storage control program 307, a RAID group management table 308, a real area management table 309, the hierarchy management table 310, VVOL management table 311 are stored. Storage control program 307, by being executed by CPU301, performs access control processing and relocation processing.
[0044]
　
　FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the RAID group management table 308 provided in the storage subsystem 102. RAID group management table 308 has information relating to the performance of the RAID group 306.
[0045]
　For example, RAID group management table, a RAID group ID 401 representing the identifier of a RAID group, and the device type 402 indicating the type of physical storage devices constituting a RAID group, the RAID level 403 representing the RAID level and the combination of the RAID group, it includes a PDEV_ID404 representing the identifier of the physical storage devices constituting the RAID group, as configuration items. At least one in place of or in addition of the information 401-404, may include other types of information.
[0046]
　
　FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of a real area management table 309 provided in the storage subsystem 102. Real area management table 309, the real area that each RAID group 306 has has a allocated information about whether or not the virtual volume.
[0047]
　For example, the real area management table 309, and the RAID group ID501 representing the identifier of the RAID group with a real area, and the actual area ID502 representing the identifier of the real region, RG_LBA range 503 representing the LBA range of RAID groups corresponding to the actual area If includes the allocation status 504 real area indicating whether allocated, as configuration items.
[0048]
　
　FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a VVOL management table 311 included in the storage subsystem 102. VVOL management table 311 has a respective virtual area in the virtual volume, information about the real area allocated to the virtual area.
[0049]
　For example, VVOL management table 311 represents a VVOL_ID601 representing the identifier of the virtual volume, and VVOL_LBA range 602 representing the LBA range corresponding to the virtual area in the virtual volume, a real area is allocated to a virtual area in the virtual volume the actual area ID603, to the virtual area in the virtual volume, the number of accesses from the host computer and the access number 604, which represents the (I / O number of the total), the real in the hierarchy in the virtual area in the virtual volume in the relocation process it is determined that it should allocate space includes a relocation decision result 605 representing the identifier of the hierarchy, as a constituent item.
[0050]
　In the VVOL management table 311, VVOL_ID601 is not the identifier specified by the host computer 101, an identifier that is recognized within the storage subsystem 102. Access number 604, has a value of number of accesses to the virtual area, the storage subsystem 102 is a period of time, for example every 24 hours, and resets the value of the access number 604 to zero. Furthermore, the relocation judgment result 605, the determination result is stored for example in the relocation process performed recently.
[0051]
　
　FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of a hierarchical definition table 310 provided in the storage subsystem 102. Hierarchy definition table 310 includes information about the performance and the allowable range of the number of access to the hierarchy.
[0052]
　For example, the hierarchy definition table 310, for each hierarchy, and the hierarchy ID 701 representing the hierarchy of identifiers, and performance requirements 702 that represents the hierarchy of performance requirements, hierarchy corresponding, allowable IOPS representing an allowable access count in the range of per unit time and it includes a range 703, as a configuration item. In the hierarchy definition table 310, the hierarchy of performance requirements 702, for example, a type of physical storage devices, is defined by the RAID level of the RAID group.
[0053]
　Each layer 701 that is identified by a hierarchical ID has the real area that belongs to the physical storage devices and / or RAID group satisfies the performance requirements 702 to the element. It should be noted that the hierarchy definition table 310 is updated, for example in response to a request from the storage administrator.
[0054]
　
　FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the management computer 103. The management computer 103, the LAN port 802 for connecting to the management network 106, a CPU 801 that performs the configuration management program 804, and a memory 803 used by the CPU801, which are to each other via a circuit such as an internal bus It is connected.
[0055]
　Memory 803, and configuration management program 804, an access distribution change history table 805, and the relocation time zone management table 806, and the management side RAID group management table 807, and the management side of the real area management table 808, the management-side hierarchy management table and 809, and storage and management side VVOL management table 810, the.
[0056]
　Management Tables 807-810 corresponds to the management table 308-311 of the storage subsystem 102, when the management computer 103 acquires the configuration information from the storage subsystem 102 used to store that information.
[0057]
　Configuration management program 804 is executed by the CPU801, the following processing is performed. That is, the configuration management program 804 acquires information included in the periodic or repetitive storage tables from the subsystem 102 308-311, based on the information, it updates the access distribution change history table 805. In addition, the configuration management program 804 is carried out periodically or repeatedly, on the basis of the access distribution change history table 805, relocation time zone calculation processing. Then, the configuration management program 804, the result of the calculation, the user (e.g., administrator) presented to, when receiving an approval from the user, or without presented to the user, the relocation time zone management table 806 reflect. Note that the information acquisition and rearranged time slot calculation processing is not necessarily performed at equal time intervals, there may be slight deviations in the processing time interval if performed repeatedly. Further, the configuration management program 804, for each virtual volume was described in relocation time zone management table 806, each time entering the rearrangement time zone corresponding to the virtual volume, executes a rearrangement process of the virtual volume .
[0058]
　
　FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of an access distribution change history table 805 in the management computer 103. Access distribution change history table 805, for each virtual volume, with a time-series information of the amount of change in the access distribution.
[0059]
　For example, access the access distribution change history table 805, representing a VVOL_ID901 representing the identifier of the virtual volume, the observation time 902 representing the time zone was observed variation in the access distribution of the virtual volume, the amount of change in the access distribution of the virtual volume the distribution amount of change 903, and access average 904 representing the access number of the mean value from the host computer to the virtual volume, and includes a configuration item. Incidentally, the observation time is represented by, for example, the date and the set time zone. Also, the unit of the access average 904 is, for example, IOPS (number of accesses per second (I / O)). The operation of the access distribution changing amount 903 will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0060]
　
　FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a relocation time zone management table 806. Relocation time zone management table 806 includes information for each virtual volume, to relocation processing time period to carry out with respect to the virtual volume.
[0061]
　For example, repositioning time zone management table 806 includes a VVOL_ID1001 representing the identifier of the virtual volume, to determine the time zone for carrying out the rearrangement processing to the virtual volume, the threshold value for the change amount of the access counts for the virtual volume and distribution change threshold 1002, which represents, a little time zone movement of the hot spots, are included as configuration items and relocation time zone 1003, which represents the time zone to carry out the relocation process to the virtual volume, the.
[0062]
　
　FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management-side RAID group management table 807 in the management computer 103. The managing RAID group management table 807, corresponding to the RAID group management table 308 provided in the storage subsystem 102 used to store the information included in the RAID group management table 308. However, the information possessed by the management side RAID group management table 807, need not be completely consistent with the information included in the RAID group management table 308, a part of the information of the RAID group management table 308, the management-side RAID group management it may not be stored in the table 807.
[0063]
　For example, the management-side RAID group management table 807, a RAID group ID 1101 that represents the identifier of a RAID group, the device type 1102 indicating the type of physical storage devices constituting a RAID group, RAID level representing the RAID level and the combination of the RAID group and 1103, and includes a configuration item.
[0064]
　It should be noted that, with respect to each of the tables 808-810 described in the following, the information they have is, do not have to be completely consistent with the information to which the table 309-311 has a corresponding one of the storage subsystem 102.
[0065]
　
　FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management-side real area management table 808 in the management-side computer 103. Management side real area management table 808, corresponding to the real area management table 309 included in the storage subsystem 102.
[0066]
　For example, the management side of the real area management table 808, representing a RAID group ID1201 representing the identifier of the RAID group with a real area, and the actual area ID1202 representing the identifier of the real area, the LBA range of RAID groups corresponding to the actual area RG_LBA the range 1203, the allocation status 1204 real area is indicating whether or not allocated, are included as configuration items a.
[0067]
　
　FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management-side VVOL management table 810 in the management-side computer 103. Management side VVOL management table 810, corresponding to the VVOL management table 311 included in the storage subsystem 102.
[0068]
　For example, the management-side VVOL management table 810 includes a VVOL_ID1301 representing the identifier of the virtual volume, and VVOL_LBA range 1302 that represents a LBA range corresponding to the virtual area in the virtual volume, a real area allocated to the virtual area in the virtual volume the real area ID 1303 representing a, to the virtual area in the virtual volume, an access number 1304 represents the number of accesses from the host computer, the relocation processing, should be assigned a real area in the hierarchy to a virtual area in the virtual volume It is determined to include a relocation judgment result 1305 representing the identifier of the hierarchy, as a constituent item.
[0069]
　It is to be noted that the access number 604 of VVOL management table 311, to record the number of accesses to the virtual area, the access number 1304 of the management side VVOL management table 810 is used in each process of the management computer 103 is performed , the value associated with the access number is recorded. For example, the access number 1304, for use in access distribution amount of change calculation processing, and value (the number of access at the time of the previous processing) 1306 access number 604 of when I went the last time access distribution amount of change calculation processing, at the time of the previous processing (mean value of the previous control cycle) calculated the access number of the mean value of the virtual area 1307 is recorded. In addition, the access number 1304, for example, be used in the relocation process, and 1308 (access number at the beginning of time) access number 604 of the value at the beginning time of the relocation time zone, the number of access was calculated in the relocation process of the average value (average value) 1309 are recorded. In this case, the unit of 1307 and 1309 representing the average value of the access number is, for example, IOPS.
[0070]
　Further, for example, a measurement period for calculating the average value to be recorded in the column 1307, when the measurement period to calculate the average value to be recorded in the column 1309 are equal, the column 1306 and 1308, and the column 1307 and 1309 each may be only one is. Further, as the value used in the access distribution variation calculation processing, instead of the column 1306 and / or 1307, or in addition, may be recorded to other values, as the value used by the relocation process, instead of the column 1308 and / or 1309, or in addition, it may be recorded to other values.
[0071]
　
　FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management-side hierarchy definition table 809 which includes the management-side computer 103. Management side hierarchy definition table 809, corresponding to the hierarchy definition table 310 included in the storage subsystem 102 (FIG. 7). Information 14 may be defined by the administrator, but it is necessary information and synchronization of FIG 7 are taken.
[0072]
　For example, the hierarchy definition table 809, for each hierarchy, and the hierarchy ID 1401 representing a hierarchical identifier, and the performance requirements 1402 representing the hierarchy of performance requirements, corresponding to the hierarchy, the allowable IPOS range representing an allowable access count range per unit time and 1403, and includes a configuration item.
[0073]
　
　as processing storage subsystem 102 is carried out according to the present embodiment, there are (i) the read processing, (ii) write processing, and (iii) access number calculation process. Further, as the processing by the management computer 103 according to the present embodiment is performed, (iv) access distribution variation calculation processing, there relocations time period calculation process, and (vi) relocation process (v). These are described in detail.
[0074]
(A) processing in the storage subsystem 102
　read processing, write processing, and relates to the access number calculation processing at the time of their processing end, the host computer 101, in order to access the data recorded on the storage subsystem 102, the storage subsystem to send an access request to the 102. Then, the storage subsystem 102 receives an access request from the host computer 101, performs processing according to the received request. Hereinafter, the processing in case of receiving a read request as an example of an access request, will be described each processing when it receives a write request. Incidentally, it is included as respective last treatment (iii) access number calculation process (i) reading process and (ii) writing process.
[0075]
(I) read processing
　Figure 15 is a flow chart for explaining the read processing in the storage subsystem 102. If the read request from the host computer 101 is transmitted, for example, the following processing is performed.
[0076]
　Storage control program 307 receives a read request from the host computer 101 (step 1501). Then, the storage control program 307, based on the access destination information included in the read request, the original virtual area for reading out data (hereinafter, read-source virtual area) to identify (step 1502).
[0077]
　Next, the storage control program 307, the read target data and determines whether there remains in the cache memory area (step 1503).
[0078]
　If the target data is in the cache (Yes in step 1503), the storage control program 307 sends the read-targeted data in the cache memory, the host computer 101 (step 1504).
[0079]
　If the target data is not in cache (No in step 1503), the storage control program 307, based on the VVOL management table 311, the real area allocated to the read-source virtual area identified in 1502 (hereinafter, the lead to identify the original real area) (step 1505). The storage control program 307 reads the data from the read source real area, writes the data into the cache memory region, and transmits to the host computer 101 (step 1506).
[0080]
　Finally, the storage control program 307 updates the value of the access number 604 corresponding to the read-source virtual area (step 1507). In this case, when processing performed immediately before step 1507 is a step 1504, the storage control program 307 may not update the value of the access number 604 corresponding to the read-source virtual area.
[0081]
(Ii) Write Processing
　FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the write processing in the storage subsystem 102. If the write request is sent from the host computer 101, for example, the following processing is performed.
[0082]
　Storage control program 307 receives a write request from the host computer 101 (step 1601). Then, the storage control program 307 based on the access destination information write request has, ahead of the virtual area for writing data (hereinafter, the write-destination virtual area) to identify (step 1602).
[0083]
　Next, the storage control program 307 determines whether or not a real area is allocated to the write-destination virtual area (step 1603). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the write-destination virtual area is registered in the VVOL management table 311.
[0084]
　If the write-destination virtual area real area is allocated (Yes in step 1603), the storage control program 307, write to the real area that has been assigned the write target data to the write-destination virtual area (step 1604).
[0085]
　If the write-destination virtual area a real area is not allocated (if at step 1603 of No), the storage control program 307 determines whether a real area of ​​unallocated allocated to the write-destination virtual area is present ( step 1605). Specifically, the storage control program 307, allocation status 504 of the real area management table 309 real area is "unallocated" determines whether there.
[0086]
　If the real area of ​​unallocated is present in the write-destination virtual area (in the case of Yes in step 1605), the storage control program 307, allocates a real area of ​​unallocated to the write-destination virtual area, the actual area of ​​the write-targeted data write to (step 1606).
[0087]
　If the real area unallocated to the write-destination virtual area does not exist (No in step 1605), the storage control program 307 sends an error message to the host computer 101 (step 1607).
[0088]
　Finally, the storage control program 307 updates the value of the access number 604 that corresponds to the light source virtual area (step 1608).
[0089]
(B) processing in the management computer 103
(iv) access distribution variation calculation processing
　Figure 17 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the access distribution variation calculation processing. Access distribution change amount calculation process, a certain time interval, is performed periodically-repeated for example every hour. This time interval may not be accurate intervals, there may be deviation of some time.
[0090]
　Configuration management program 804, for all the virtual volumes registered in the management-side VVOL management table 810, performs the subsequent processing of 1701-1704. Hereinafter, one virtual volume (hereinafter, "subject VVOL" in the explanation of FIG. 17) as an example, explaining the subsequent processing.
[0091]
　(Processing contents of step 1701)
　the configuration management program 804, an access number of the information corresponding to each virtual area in the subject VVOL, obtains from the storage subsystem 102. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, the storage subsystem 102, to send a request for information on the access number corresponding to each virtual region in the target VVOL. Request has VVOL_ID information is an identifier of the instance object VVOL.
[0092]
　The storage subsystem 102 receives the request, for each virtual area in the virtual volume specified by VVOL_ID with the request, the values ​​of the access number 604 of VVOL_LBA range 602 corresponding to the virtual area of ​​the VVOL management table 311 , for example, in the two sets, and sent to the management computer 103. The information this time storage subsystem 102 to the management computer 103, if the corresponding identification information and access information on the number of the virtual area is known, may be any form.
[0093]
　(Processing contents of step 1702)
　the configuration management program 804, in the period from the time of the previous processing up to now, to calculate the number of accesses of the mean value for the target VVOL the (IOPS). Specifically, for all the virtual region in the object VVOL, calculates the difference between the value of the access number 1306 of the time value and the previous processing of the access number 604 acquired in step 1701, calculates the sum of the difference value to. Determine the difference is because in the present embodiment uses an increment counter on the access count, the total sum of the difference, the access count in the period (cumulative value) is calculated. However, this time, the access number 1306 in the previous process, were obtained when performing the preceding access distribution variation calculation processing, the value of the access number 604 for each virtual area is assumed to be recorded.
[0094]
　Configuration management program 804 based on the calculated value of the total sum, the number of accesses per unit time average value of the target VVOL in the period from the previous processing to the current seek (e.g. IOPS) (hereinafter, "VVOL access in the description of Figure 17 that the average ").
[0095]
　(Processing contents of step 1703)
　the configuration management program 804, the access distribution with respect to the target VVOL, to calculate the amount of change in the period up to the present from the time of the previous processing. Specifically, first, the configuration management program 804, based on all of the virtual areas in the object VVOL, the difference between the value of the access number 1306 of the time value and the previous processing of the access number 604 acquired in step 1701 to, in the period from the previous process up to now, an average the unit number of accesses to the virtual region time (e.g. IOPS) (hereinafter, referred to as "virtual area access average" in the explanation of FIG. 17).
[0096]
　Then the configuration management program 804, for all of the virtual area in the target VVOL, the value of the virtual area access average divided by the average VVOL access of the virtual area, the average value at the time of the previous process corresponding to the virtual area 1307 to calculate the difference between the value obtained by dividing the value of access average 904 corresponding to the target VVOL the. However, this time the previous process when the average value 1307, it is assumed that the value of the virtual area access average calculated in the previous processing are recorded. The value of the difference calculated here, the number of accesses to the virtual area, the ratio for the number of accesses to the target VVOL is represents what has changed much since the previous treatment.
[0097]
　Configuration management program 804, for example, the square root of the square sum of the difference was calculated for all of the virtual area in the target VVOL, as a change in the amount of 903 of the access distribution corresponding to the target VVOL, is recorded in the access distribution change history table 805. At this time, the observation date and time 902 of the access distribution change history table 805, from the time you run the previous access distribution change amount calculation processing, to record the time zone up to the current time. In addition, to access the average 904 of the access distribution change history table 805, to record the VVOL access average calculated in step 1702.
[0098]
　By analyzing the value of the access distribution variation 903 calculated in the above process, a hot spot (the number of accesses to the virtual region in the target VVOL is higher virtual than access number with respect to other virtual area in the same virtual volume position of the region), it is possible to detect that it has changed in that time period.
[0099]
　Here, in terms of "information that can be detected by analysis of the index" is compared to the calculated values ​​accessible distribution variation and other indicators of the processing. For example, when a number of accesses to the target VVOL an indicator, the number of access to individual virtual area does not appear in the index, the number of access to the "subject VVOL has not changed, the hot spots of the subject VVOL position can not be detected if changed "as. To detect changes in the position of the hot spot may be focused to a change in the access distribution target VVOL. So, take the difference between the access number for each virtual area in the subject VVOL, it is considered that the statistic as an indicator. However, using this value, in addition to changes in the position of the hot spot, for example, "number of accesses to each virtual area in the target VVOL is, on average, increased" If you like (hereinafter in the description of Figure 17 ) referred to as "the entire increase in the case" is also resulting in a sense.
[0100]
　The present invention is intended to achieve optimum real area allocated to each virtual area therein for each of the virtual volume, not a solution to the overall increase in the case, increased total and when the position of the hot spot is changed there is a need to isolate the case. Therefore, like the calculated value of the processing, as an index statistical value of values ​​obtained by normalizing the number of accesses to each virtual area in the target VVOL. By performing normalization, unnecessary to detect because no change indicator in the overall increase case. Thus, it is possible to perform detection focuses on the case where the position of the hot spot is changed.
[0101]
　As the solution to the overall increase in the preceding cases, relocation process carried out by the conventional regular and virtual volume transverse (pool units) are suitable. By using a combination of the present invention and the prior art, it is possible to relocation processing in region units finer than the logical volume, utilized more effectively. However, when combining the present invention and the prior art, such that the time to carry out the re-arrangement does not collide, for example, within a predetermined period of time after performing the rearrangement process (eg, one hour) so as not to perform the rearrangement processing some or, is necessary to carry out the control of such or to determine the priority order of the relocation process by the relocation process and the prior art in accordance with the present patent.
[0102]
　The calculation method of the amount of change in the access distribution described above is an example, it may use other calculation methods.
[0103]
　(Processing contents of step 1704)
　the configuration management program 804, for all the virtual region in the target VVOL, the value of the access number 604 for each virtual region acquired and recorded in the column 1306 in step 1701, calculated in step 1703 the value of the virtual area access average for each virtual region was recorded in the column 1307.
[0104]
　Incidentally, in the virtual area in the object VVOL, if it is registered in the VVOL management table 311 of the storage subsystem 102, there is one that is not registered in the management-side VVOL management table 810, the configuration management program 804 is calculated in the above-described processing steps from 1701 to 1703, the value from 1306 to 1309 relating to the access number corresponding to the virtual area, for example as all 0. In addition, the configuration management program 804, in the process of step 1704, after registering the virtual area in the management side VVOL management table 810, to update the value of the corresponding column 1306 and 1307.
[0105]
(V) repositioning time period calculation process
　Figure 18 is a flowchart for explaining details of the re-arrangement time period calculation process. Relocation time period calculation process, for example periodically, repeated. However, it is not necessary to periodically executed, it may even be some variations in execution time interval.
[0106]
　(Processing contents of step 1801)
　the configuration management program 804 in the management computer 103, clears the value of the relocation time zone 1003 in relocation time zone management table 806.
[0107]
　Next, the configuration management program 804, for all virtual volumes registered in the management-side VVOL management table 810, performs the processes in and after steps 1802-1805. Hereinafter, one virtual volume (hereinafter, "subject VVOL" in the explanation of FIG. 18) is described as an example.
[0108]
　Configuration management program 804, for example, each time period, separated every hour a day (hereinafter, target time zone) for, performs the processes in and after steps 1802-1804.
[0109]
　(Processing contents of step 1802)
　the configuration management program 804, based on the access distribution change history table 805, the average value of the access distribution amount of change 903 in the target time zone of the target VVOL, for example of the last week of access distribution amount of change 903 to calculate the average value. Incidentally, the period for calculating the average value may be, for example, 2 days or 1 month.
[0110]
　Further, the storage administrator may set a time period for calculating the average value. In that case, the configuration management program 804, for example, in response to an instruction from the storage administrator, and displays a screen for setting the time period for calculating the average value calculator 104 for Web browsing. Furthermore, the period for calculating the average value may be different for each virtual volume, may be shared by multiple virtual volumes.
[0111]
　(Processing contents of step 1803)
　the configuration management program 804, calculated access distribution average value of the amount of change 903 (hereinafter, referred to as distribution change average) than the distribution change threshold 1002 which is corresponding to the target VVOL of relocation time zone management table 806 determines whether small or not. The value of the distribution variation threshold 1002 may be set at the stage where processing of 1803 is performed, it may be set earlier than that. For more information about the setting of the distribution change threshold 1002, it will be described later.
[0112]
　(Processing content of step 1804)
　if distribution change average is less than the distribution change threshold 1002 (in the case of Yes in step 1803), the configuration management program 804 registers the target time zone in relocation time zone management table 806. If the distribution change average is equal to or greater than the distribution change threshold 1002 (if in step 1803 of No), the configuration management program 804, to continue to the next for the time zone processing (step 1802-1804). The above process is repeated for each time zone.
[0113]
　(Processing contents of step 1805)
　the configuration management program 804, for repositioning time slot 1003 corresponding to the target VVOL relocation time zone management table 806 performs processing of summary time period successive to one. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, and VVOL_ID target VVOL, a record that VVOL_ID match, to identify from the relocation time zone management table 806. If two or more records have been identified, the configuration management program 804 of the two or more records have been identified, if 2 or more relocation time zones continuously them together into one. For example, relocation time zone is 9: 00-10: 00, 10: 00-11: 11:00: 00-12: if continuously if as 00, 9: 00-10: 00, 10: 00 -11: 11:00: 00-12: 00, one time zone 9:00 to 12:00 to put together. Configuration management program 804, to remove all the two or more of the record that has been summarized the relocation time zone, to register the time zone after a summary.
[0114]
　(Modification of the rearranged time slot calculation processing described above)
　, but concludes the description of rearranged time slot calculation processing, the configuration management program 804, the relocation time period calculation process, repositioning time period the target time zone at the time of the determination of whether or not to register in the management table 806, it may be taken into consideration the number of accesses of the information in the target time zone of the target VVOL in addition to the access distribution amount of change. Specifically, in step 1802, the configuration management program 804 based on the access distribution change history table 805, calculates the average value of the access number 904 in the subject time period of interest VVOL.
[0115]
　In step 1803, the configuration management program 804, for example, the distribution changes mean the average value is a constant value of small and access number 904 than the distribution change threshold 1002 (for example, apart from setting and / or calculated threshold the distribution change threshold 1002 ) only if the smaller, may also be determined to register the target time period for relocation time zone management table 806.
[0116]
　(Distribution variation threshold)
　distribution variation threshold 1002 for use in step 1803, may enter the storage administrator, the management computer 103 may be calculated. Here, as an example, a description will be given form by the storage administrator to enter.
[0117]
　Configuration management program 804, in the re-arranged time zone calculation processing of the above, in the computer 104 for Web browsing, to display the distribution change threshold input screen 1901 shown in FIG. 19. Screen 1901 includes an area (the virtual volume selected region) 1904 for selecting the virtual volume is a setting target of the distribution variation threshold, the selected region (threshold input area for inputting a distribution variation threshold to be set in the virtual volume has been ) with a 1906.
[0118]
　To the virtual volume selected region 1904, for example, a list of VVOL_ID1001 corresponding to each virtual volume that is registered in the relocation time zone management table 806 is displayed. Storage administrator from the list of the ID of the virtual volume, it is possible to select one for example.
[0119]
　The threshold value input region 1906, for example, a text box for entering a distribution variation threshold is displayed. The text box, it is possible to input distribution variation threshold corresponding to the virtual volume identified by the selected ID.
[0120]
　Storage administrators, and enter the distribution change threshold using the screen 1901, and press the Apply button 1902, the configuration management program 804 has been input value, corresponding to the ID of the virtual volume that has been selected on the screen 1901 distribution stored in the change threshold 1002, it will run the 1803 or later of the relocation time zone calculation processing.
[0121]
　It is to be noted that the screen 1901, the storage administrator area for displaying information that becomes a judgment material for determining the distribution change threshold (administrator determines material display area) there may be 1905. For example, the screen 1901, calculated in step 1802 of the re-arrangement time period calculation processing described above, may show the average value of the access distribution change quantity for each divided time zone for one hour a day. The method of display may be, for example, in table form, such as business decisions display area 1905 in FIG. 19 may be displayed in graphic form the time series as shown in Figure 20. When viewed graphically, as in Figure 20, the administrator can grasp a change in the access distribution visual, sensory understanding that there is an effect that is easily obtained.
[0122]
　Further, the configuration management program 804, when a distribution variation threshold is input, the rearrangement time period is calculated using the input threshold value, displayed on the screen 1901 before registering the relocation time zone management table 806 , whether or not to register their time zone to the relocation time zone management table, it may be selected in the storage administrator. In this case, the screen 1901 is region (rearranged time zone display area) for displaying the rearranged time slot calculated with 1907. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, at the start of the relocation time zone calculation processing, to prepare the intermediate table in the memory 803. The storage administrator in screen 1901, after entering the distribution change threshold to threshold input area 1906, press the time zone calculation button 1908 instead of, for example, apply button 1902.
[0123]
　When the time period calculation button 1908 is pressed, the configuration management program 804, instead of the distribution variation threshold 1002 corresponding to the virtual volume that is selected by using the value that is input to the threshold value input region 1906, steps 1803 - 1805 perform processing of. In this case, the configuration management program 804, the relocation time zone calculated in step 1804 and 1805, recorded in the intermediate table rather than the relocation time zone management table 806. Configuration management program 804 displays the information of the relocation time zone that was recorded in the middle table in relocation time zone display area 1907 of the screen 1901. Storage administrators re-enter the distribution change threshold, it may also press the time zone calculation button 1908 again.
[0124]
　Configuration management program 804, each time the storage administrator re-enter the distribution change threshold, the relocation time zone calculated using the newly entered threshold, the relocation time zone display area 1907 recorded in the intermediate table indicate. When the storage administrator presses the apply button 1902, the configuration management program 804, a value that is input to the threshold input area 1906 is stored in the distributed variation threshold 1002 and the information of the relocation time period recorded in the intermediate table registered in the relocation time zone management table 806, an intermediate table to end the relocation time zone calculation processing to remove from memory 803.
[0125]
　In addition, by the storage administrator to instruct the configuration management program 804, before you run the relocation time zone calculation processing, it may be entering the distribution change threshold. In that case, during the relocation time zone calculation processing, it may not be prompted to enter the distribution change threshold to the storage administrator. The storage administrator configuration management program 804, if you instruct the input of the distribution change threshold, the configuration management program 804 displays a screen 1901 to a computer 104 for Web browsing.
[0126]
　Further, since the storage manager instructs the structure management program 804, instead of entering a distribution variation threshold, it may be able to view the screen for viewing information about the access counts. In this case the configuration management program 804 displays, for example, on the screen 1901 and the virtual volume selected region 1904 only administrator determines material display area 1905.
[0127]
　Further, the configuration management program 804 may automatically calculate the distribution variation threshold. In that case, it may not be prompted to enter the distribution change threshold in the storage administrator. For example, the storage administrator instead of the distribution change threshold, enter the maximum number of the relocation process to be performed during the day. Configuration management program 804, rearranged time slot number that does not exceed the number of the inputted upper limit to calculate a distribution variation threshold as registered. The distribution change threshold, or to calculate the configuration management program, will either enter yourself, storage administrators may be selected.
[0128]
(Vi) relocation processing
　Figure 21 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the relocation process. Relocation process, the virtual volume relocation time zone 1003 in relocation time zone management table 806 is registered for (or less, subject VVOL in the description of FIG. 21), relocation time zone corresponding to the target VVOL 1003 is a process performed for each. Rearranging process is performed, for example, by repositioning time period calculation process described above (v), after a certain period of time from the start time of each relocation time zone is registered in the relocation time zone management table 806, for example, 30 minutes after .
[0129]
　(Processing contents of step 2100)
　the configuration management program 804 of the management computer 103, to get the value of the access number 604 for all of the virtual area in the target VVOL from the storage subsystem 102, at the beginning time of the management side VVOL management table 810 to the recorded in the access number 1308.
[0130]
　After the configuration management program 804 executing step 2100, and waits until the predetermined time (e.g. 30 minutes) has elapsed. The configuration management program 804, while waiting, may be subjected to other processing. That is, if it is possible to perform the processing in step 2101 after a predetermined time has passed after performing step 2100, it may be performed many times any processing within the standby time.
[0131]
　(Processing contents of step 2101)
　the configuration management program 804, to get the value of the access number 604 for all of the virtual area in the target VVOL from the storage subsystem 102, access number of the mean value, for example in the last 30 minutes of each virtual region the calculation to be recorded in the average value 1309. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, to calculate the average number of access in accordance with the following equation (1), is recorded in the average value of 1309.
[0132]
　(Access number 604- access number 1308 at the beginning of time) / the number of seconds of the measurement period (Equation 1)
　For example, VVOL_ID is Volume1, the value of the FIGS. 6 and 13 to the virtual area VVOL_LBA range is 0-999 as an example, also is calculated by applying to the above equation (1) the measurement period as 30 minutes, - a (792000 621000) / (30 × 60) = 95.
[0133]
　In this way, by re-arrangement process is performed based on the number of information access for a certain period from the starting time of the re-arrangement time period (e.g. 30 minutes), the virtual volume, the number of accesses of the time zone in which access distribution is not changed it is possible to perform the rearrangement process based on the information.
[0134]
　Further, the configuration management program 804 acquires information in each table 308-310 from the storage subsystem 102, and updates the information in tables 807-809 of the management computer 103 based on the obtained information.
[0135]
　(Processing content of Step 2102)
　Next, the configuration management program 804 is registered in the management-side VVOL management table 810, for all the virtual region in the target VVOL, identifies a hierarchy to be allocated to the target virtual area . Specifically, the configuration management program 804, to identify an acceptable IOPS range 1403, which represents the access number range that includes the value of the average value of 1309 access number that corresponds to the target virtual area from the management side hierarchy definition table 809, the allowable access the hierarchy ID1401 corresponding to the number range 1403, is recorded as the value of the relocation decision result 1305 of the target virtual area. As a result, hierarchical ID recorded may also be if any different be the same hierarchical ID hierarchy, including the real area allocated to the virtual area. It should be noted that, in the access number 1304, if you are recording a plurality of types of value as the value used to identify a relocation decision result hierarchy in the relocation process is used in order to identify an acceptable IOPS range 1403 as values, may be selected any one, it may be derived by calculation. It may also be used a plurality of pairs of values ​​in identifying the acceptable range IOPS 1403. In that case, the acceptable IOPS range 703 and 1403 of the hierarchy definition table 310 and the management side hierarchy definition table 809, to set up a set of multiple values.
[0136]
　(Repetition processing)
　Next, the configuration management program 804 is registered in the management-side VVOL management table 810, and executes the processing of steps 2103-2108 for all virtual region in the object VVOL. However, here in the configuration management program 804, for example, each virtual area, the value of the corresponding access number of average 1309 to processing in descending order. Hereinafter, one of the virtual regions (referred to as "target virtual area") as an example, describes the processing of the subsequent steps 2103-2108.
[0137]
　(Processing contents of step 2103)
　the configuration management program 804, relocation decision corresponding to the ID and the target virtual area of the hierarchy corresponding to the real area that is currently allocated to the target virtual area (hereinafter referred to as "target area placed the original hierarchy") results and the value of the 1305 it is determined whether or not the match. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, based on the ID 1303 of the real area allocated to the target virtual area, to identify the ID 1201 of the RAID group that includes the real area, device type 1102 or corresponding to the RAID group / and RAID level 1103 to identify the hierarchy ID1401 corresponding to meet performance requirements 1402. Determines that the hierarchy ID1401 that specified, whether or not the value of the relocation decision result 1305 matches.
[0138]
　In the case of the target area placed the original hierarchy should be placed hierarchy (if in step 2103 of Yes), data migration of the target virtual area because of the unnecessary, the process for the virtual area of ​​the object is completed. On the other hand, (No in step 2103) if the target area arranged based hierarchy is not a hierarchy to be placed, the process proceeds to step 2104.
[0139]
　(Processing contents of step 2104)
　the configuration management program 804, that hierarchy indicated by the hierarchy ID of the relocation decision result 1305 corresponding to the target virtual area on the basis of the management side of the real area management table 808 ( "target area located destination tier" ) in the determines whether a real area of unallocated exists.
[0140]
　If there is a vacancy in the hierarchy to be placed (Yes in step 2104), the process proceeds to step 2106, if there is no room in the hierarchy to be placed (if at step 2104 of No), the processing step 2105 to migrate to.
[0141]
　(Processing contents of step 2106)
　the configuration management program 804, in place of the real area that is currently allocated to the target virtual area (hereinafter referred to as "data migration source real area"), the real area of unallocated region of interest placement destination hierarchy assign a (hereinafter referred to as "data migration destination real area"). Specifically, the configuration management program 804, the management side of the real area management table 808, allocation status that is updated to unallocated the value of the allocation status 1204 corresponding to the data migration source real area, corresponding to the data migration destination real area to update the 1204 value of the assigned. In the present embodiment, for example, real area and the virtual area is managed as separated by the same volume, so that there is no need to consider the capacity of the source and destination.
[0142]
　In addition, the configuration management program 804, the management side VVOL management table 810, the value of the real area ID1303 corresponding to the target virtual area, updated to the ID of the data migration destination real area. In addition, the configuration management program 804 instructs the storage subsystem 102 to migrate data from data migration source real area to the data migration destination real area. Storage subsystem 102 of the storage control program 307 receives the instruction from the configuration management program 804 shifts the data to the data migration destination real area from the data migration source real area.
[0143]
　Incidentally, when the process in step 2106, may affect the performance of the other virtual volume. For example, some in the rearrangement processing of the virtual volume, as a result of the processing in step 2106, it may use up all the unallocated real area in performance is high hierarchy. In this case, the virtual area in the virtual volume rearranging process after this, it is impossible to allocate the unallocated real area in the hierarchy. Therefore, if the virtual area is determined to be assigned a real area in the hierarchy exists, as the processing in steps 2107 and 2108 described below, and other virtual areas in which real area in the hierarchy is assigned or replacing the allocation status and data, it will be to assign the actual area of ​​the other of the hierarchy close performance, may affect the performance. To address this event, for example, in the rearrangement process, it is not performed to allocate a real area of ​​unallocated virtual area of ​​interest VVOL, always only by replacement of the other virtual areas in the object VVOL, subject how to achieve the optimization of the real space allocation situation to VVOL in the virtual area is considered. Whether or not to use a real area of ​​unallocated in the relocation process, for example, by the number and / or percentage of the actual area of ​​unallocated within each hierarchy, the configuration management program 804 is determined. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, in the process of step 2104, as well as unallocated real area to target area placement destination hierarchy were present, the number of all the real number of areas within the subject area placement destination tier 1 If less than the split, the process proceeds to step 2105 instead of the processing in step 2106.
[0144]
　(Processing contents of step 2105)
　the configuration management program 804 determines the real area allocated to the target virtual area, whether a real area that can swap the data exists. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, in the allocated real area of the target area placement destination hierarchy, the hierarchy ID of the relocation judgment result 1305 corresponding to the virtual area the real area is allocated, subject It determines whether or not there is a match with the hierarchy ID of the area placed the original hierarchy.
[0145]
　If Replaceable real area is present (Yes in step 2105), the process proceeds to step 2107, (No in step 2105) if a replaceable real area does not exist, the process proceeds to step 2108 to.
[0146]
　(Processing contents of step 2107)
　the configuration management program 804, the real area allocated to the target virtual area (hereinafter, "subject real area 1" in the explanation of step 2107) and, allocated with the region of interest placement destination Hierarchy the real area (hereinafter referred to as "the subject real area 2" in the description of step 2107) with the, replacing the allocation status to the virtual area. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, the management-side in real area ID 1303 of the VVOL management table 810 stores the ID of the target real area 2 at a position ID of the target real area 1 is stored, the target real area 2 and stores the ID of the target real area 1 at a position ID is stored. Further, the configuration management program 804 to perform replacement of data between the target actual region 1 and target real area 2, instructs the storage subsystem 102. Storage control program 307 of the storage subsystem 102 receives an instruction from the configuration management program 804 performs the exchange of data between the real area.
[0147]
　For example, the storage control program 307 to implement the replacement of data by performing the following processing. It should be noted that the cache memory area in the following processing may be in unallocated real area included in the storage subsystem 102.
[0148]
　Step 1: storage control program 307, write the data of the target real-region 1 in the cache memory area.
[0149]
　Step 2: storage control program 307, write the data of the target real area 2 in the cache memory area.
[0150]
　Step 3: storage control program 307, written in the subject real area 2 data of the target real region 1 from the cache memory area.
[0151]
　Step 4: storage control program 307, writes to target the real region 1 the data of the target real region 2 from the cache memory area.
[0152]
　(Processing contents of step 2108)
　the configuration management program 804, the real area of unallocated closest hierarchy performance to a subject hierarchy, to migrate data in the real area allocated to the target virtual area. In addition, the configuration management program 804 updates the management side VVOL management table 810 of the management-side real area management table 808.
[0153]
　(Processing contents of step 2109)
　the configuration management program 804, the storage subsystem 102, an instruction to get the information for each table that is updated by the rearrangement process described above to update the information in each table of the storage subsystem 102 to.
[0154]
　Storage control program 307 of the storage subsystem 102, the table receives an instruction from the configuration management program 804 acquires information in each table 807-809 of the management computer 103, the storage subsystem 102 based on the information obtained 308 to update the information to 310.
[0155]
(2) Second Embodiment
　In the second embodiment, if the zero data to the real area allocated to the virtual area is stored (all bits data is zero), the storage subsystem is the virtual area the change to the virtual area of unallocated (hereinafter, such a virtual area called "zero data virtual area"). More specifically, if all the data in the real space is zero, NULL_Pointer (pointer indicating that nothing has been assigned) is given to the corresponding virtual area, the virtual area is unallocated the virtual area. Storage subsystem, when receiving a read request to the virtual areas not allocated from the host computer, and transmits the null data instead of the error. Such a technique referred to as "zero reclamation". Figure 24 is a diagram showing the concept of the zero Inkura mation.
[0156]
　In this case, the storage sub-system of the virtual area of ​​unallocated, for zero data virtual area to measure the number of access in the same way and, for example, allocated virtual area.
[0157]
　
　In the second embodiment, a computer system, the host device, storage subsystem, and of the management system configuration is similar to those of the first embodiment, in comparison with the configuration of the first embodiment, information VVOL management table 311 and the management side VVOL management table 810 has is different. The following description only the differences from the first embodiment.
[0158]
　Figure 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of a VVOL management table 311 in the second embodiment. Figure 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management-side VVOL management table 810 in the second embodiment.
[0159]
　VVOL management table 311 and the management side VVOL management table 810 of the second embodiment, for the real area ID2203 and 2303, and the relocation decision result 2205 and 2305, NULL value that indicates that there is no value (zero value) by storing, in that it can store the information corresponding to the virtual area of ​​unallocated differs from the VVOL management table 311 and the management-side VVOL management table 810 of the first embodiment. In this way, the real area corresponding to the zero data virtual area may be stored in a NULL value, for access to the virtual area, always be zero data is returned.
[0160]
　In the second embodiment, even in the virtual area of ​​it is unassigned for zero data virtual area, to VVOL management table 311 and the management side VVOL management table 810, to leave the registration information corresponding to the virtual area to. By doing so, the access distribution change amount calculation process, including the number of access information for zero data virtual area, it is possible to accurately calculate the access distribution variation amount of the virtual volume. Further, the rearrangement time period calculation process, based on the access distribution change amount of information of the virtual volume that is calculated to include information on the access number with respect to zero data virtual area, it is possible to calculate the rearrangement time zone of the virtual volume .
[0161]
　As described above, in the second embodiment, although the unallocated virtual area in which the zero data has been stored, instead, a predetermined real area (hereinafter the storage system manages the basal real area a) that may be allocated to the virtual area. When the storage subsystem receives a read request to the virtual area from the host computer, if you were to unallocated the virtual area, returns zero data to the read request to the virtual area as "not allocated above in accordance with the rule that "there is a need to return to generate the zero data. However, if there is a ground real area is, if storing the zero data to the base real area in advance, data to be returned to the host computer can be obtained in the same process as other allocated virtual area.
[0162]
　
　Next, description will be given of a processing performed in the second embodiment. Processing performed in the second embodiment as compared with the processing of the first embodiment, the following process is different.
[0163]
　(I) a storage control program 307, when the host computer 101 receives a read request transmitted, if the virtual area of ​​the read target is not registered in the VVOL management table 311, transmits an error to the host computer 101 to. In addition, although the virtual area of ​​the lead subject has been registered in VVOL management table 311, the real area ID2203 corresponding to the virtual area was a NULL value (the virtual area was zero data virtual area), the storage control program 307 the host computer 101, and transmits the zero data in place of data in the real space.
[0164]
　(Ii) the storage control program 307, when the host computer 101 receives a write request transmitted, when the write target data was zero data, the real area identified by real area ID2203 corresponding to the write-targeted virtual area against, to store the value of unallocated to allocation status 504 corresponding to the actual area of ​​the real region management table 309. In addition, to store the NULL value to the real area ID2203 and the relocation decision result 2205 corresponding to the write-targeted virtual area.
[0165]
　In (iii) rearrangement processing, among the virtual area registered in the VVOL management table 311 and the management-side VVOL management table 810, for the virtual areas not allocated, it does not perform the rearrangement determining processing. In the following, relocation processing only be described in detail.
[0166]
　
　Fig. 25 is a flowchart for explaining details of the relocation process according to the second embodiment. The relocation process, among the virtual area that is registered in the management-side VVOL management table 810, performs the processing of steps 2502-2509 against only allocated virtual area. Specifically, the configuration management program 804, the real area ID2303 and / or relocation judgment result 2305 of the management-side VVOL management table 810 for the virtual region where only the NULL value has been assigned, in step 2502 to 2509 without processing proceeds to the processing of the next virtual area.
[0167]
(3) Conclusion
(i) As described above, in Patent Document 1 executes the migration processing of the storage device in accordance with the number of accesses data. This keeps the performance of the storage device required for the access request to the data, and in order to utilize the physical storage device in the storage subsystem efficiently. Each data is said to the longer the time that has been placed on the device in accordance with the access state, utilizing a physical storage device in the storage subsystem efficiently. Therefore, the access status to the data after the transition is expected to be a situation which is suitable to the characteristics of the possible long periods destination device.
[0168]
　However, access status to the virtual area is not necessarily constant. For example, online processing application for processing a large number of requests in fast, it may request to be processed on-line processing application is switched at short time intervals. In such a case, by the request, the data will differ for access during processing, the data-line processing application accesses changes at short time intervals. Thus, online processing application accesses a virtual area in the storage subsystem also, because it changes at short time intervals, also the frequency of access to each virtual area in the storage subsystem, considered to change at short time intervals.
[0169]
　In such a case, as in Patent Document 1, to identify the device from the past of the access history of the data with the characteristics suitable for storing the data, even if the migration of data to the device, data access status changes quickly, resulting in a state in which data is stored in the wrong device. In addition, every time the access conditions change, and to migrate the data to match it, data migration is frequently occurs, there may affect the overall performance of the storage subsystem.
[0170]
　Accordingly, the present invention is designed so as to present to the administrator to change the position of the virtual area of ​​the hot spot in the virtual volume capture, a small time period than the change amount is set threshold as the data migration time zone candidates. Then, when migrating data, only if its effect over a long period of time is expected to be obtained, on the basis of the data of access history (access distribution variation), in a suitable device by the recording of the data the data migration to the actual area is to be carried out.
[0171]
(Ii) In order to realize this, the first embodiment, management system, position access distribution variation amount indicating the change (load concentration range change information in the virtual area as a hot spot in each virtual volume in the present invention ) is calculated. Then, based on the access distribution variation, (small position changes, or hot spots are stable) position is unchanged in the virtual area as a hot spot to identify the loaded position-invariant time zone indicating the become time zone, and displays it on the display device. By doing so, the administrator will be able to know the candidate time zone to review the allocation status of the real area corresponding to each virtual area in the virtual volume (rearranged time slot).
[0172]
　More specifically, the management system, the access load from the host computer to a plurality of virtual areas of the virtual volume, a plurality of timing (repeated regularly: however, not necessarily periodic timing) to get in. Then, for each of the plurality of virtual regions, the difference value of the access load at different timings adjacent among the plurality of timing were calculated respectively, by statistically processing the difference value, and calculates the information of the access change ( see FIG. 17). By doing so, it is possible to quantitatively measure the change in the virtual area as a hot spot.
[0173]
　Further, the management system divides one day into plural time zones, for each time period, calculates the average value of the access distribution variation in a set time period, the threshold value for the average value is set (the administrator can be set) less than or judges. Then, when the time zone that corresponds to the small average value than the threshold value is continuously combines the time zone in which the continuous and load-invariant time zone. By doing so, the position of the virtual area as a hot spot to have a width in the access distribution change amount can identify the period during which the invariable, also, the type of processing corresponding to access (e.g., If there is a variation in the band load position invariant time by batch processing, etc.) processing and night by the daytime of the application (or a relatively short period of time, re-also respond flexibly to some extent or even in the case over a long period of time) it is possible to identify the placement times.
[0174]
　Further, the management system, the load position-invariant time period, performs the rearrangement of the data stored in the real area. The ingredients other, the management system is loaded position-invariant time period within a predetermined time after the start (e.g., 30 minutes) calculates the average value of the number of accesses in. Then, from the average value and the configuration information of the storage subsystem access number, identifies a hierarchy to data in the real area is disposed corresponding to the virtual area of ​​the target. In addition, the management system is, if different from the hierarchy that the current hierarchy of the data of the actual area is disposed corresponding to the virtual area of ​​interest has been identified, and the current hierarchy of the data of the virtual area of ​​the real area corresponding to the target It is to migrate to a different hierarchy (identified hierarchy). By doing so, the position of the hot spot is in a stable state, it is possible to migrate the real area corresponding to the virtual region number of accesses is large in the hierarchy of storage devices to be placed originally. Incidentally, if there is no free space in the identified hierarchy, by replacing the data in the real area corresponding to the specified hierarchy stored data and the target virtual area has been to perform the rearrangement of data it may be manner. By this way migrate the data of the actual area corresponding to the virtual area the number of access is often a hot spot in a relatively small real area of ​​influence also lower the hierarchy level, a storage sub-system can not afford to capacity it is possible to operate also efficiently.
[0175]
　As described above, according to the first embodiment, the storage administrator without continuously monitoring the access status to the virtual volume from the host computer, simply by inputting the regular access distributed variation threshold, migration relocation processing in the time zone in which efficiencies can be obtained high can be performed by, it is possible to use the physical storage device in the storage subsystem efficiently.
[0176]
In a second embodiment of (iii) present invention, the management system, in the virtual volume, data is assigned a zero data to the virtual area unallocated, and manages it as a zero data virtual area. By doing so, the access number to the virtual areas not allocated can be counted, it is possible to monitor more accurately access distribution and its variation.
[0177]
　Then, the management system is, when you run a placement change of the data, for the virtual area except for the zero data virtual area of ​​the virtual volume, relocation time zone (load position invariant time zone) after the start of within a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 to get the average value of the number of access in minutes). Then, the management system, from the average value and the configuration information of the storage subsystem access number, identifies the hierarchy to data in the real area is disposed corresponding to the virtual area of ​​the target, the data of the virtual area of ​​interest is located and if the current hierarchy is different from the hierarchy specified, the process proceeds to the hierarchy identified data of the real area corresponding to the virtual area of ​​the target. By doing so, it is possible to remove from the subject of the relocation process of the zero data virtual area, efficiently rearrangement processing can be performed. The position of the hot spot is in a stable state, it is possible to migrate the real area corresponding to the virtual region number of accesses is large in the hierarchy of storage devices to be placed originally. In the second embodiment, when there is no free space in the identified hierarchy, by interchanging the real area of ​​the data corresponding to the specified hierarchy stored data and the target virtual area, the data it is also possible to execute the placement change.
[0178]
　As described above, in the second embodiment, there is a case where the virtual areas not allocated to the management side VVOL management table 810 is registered, the virtual areas not allocated, the real area allocated does not exist Therefore, it is impossible to carry out data migration between the real area. Therefore, the real area of ​​unallocated as described above are not performed the relocation decision.
[0179]
In the first and second embodiments (iv), when counting the number of accesses, although so as to count the number of I / O for the LBA range of the virtual volume in the storage subsystem 102, the access number method of counting is not limited thereto. For example, provided the agent to the host computer 101, the agent will catch the I / O request issued from, for example, application of the host computer, notifies the management computer 103. Then, sensing the management computer 103, itself against the to the management side of the real area management table 808 and the management side VVOL management table 810 and notified I / O request is held, whether the access to any of the virtual area and may be counting the number of accesses. In this case, in the drawing, the management computer 103 and the host computer 101 is preferably to be connected via a network.
[0180]
(V) The present invention can also be realized by a program code of software for realizing the functions of the embodiment. In this case, provides a storage medium storing program codes to a system or an apparatus, reading the program codes with a computer (or CPU or MPU) stored in the storage medium of the system or apparatus. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above embodiments, the program code itself and the storage medium storing it constitute the present invention. As the storage medium for supplying the program code include a flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, a hard disk, an optical disk, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM etc. are used.
[0181]
　Further, based on instructions of the program code, it performs a part or all of the operation to which an OS (operating system) such as the actual processing on the computer, so the functions of the embodiment mentioned above are realized by those processes it may be. Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium are written in a memory on the computer, based on instructions of the program code, performs a part or all of the computer CPU the actual processing, the processing may be the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized by.
[0182]
　Furthermore, software program code for realizing the functions of the embodiment may be distributed via a network, storage means or CD-RW such as a hard disk or a memory of the same system or device, CD-R or the like of the storage medium and stored in, the system or device of a computer (or CPU or MPU) may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium in use.
Description of the code
[0183]
10 ... computer system
101 ... host computer
102 ... storage subsystem
103 ... the management computer
104 ... computer for Web browsing
105 ... storage area network
106 ... management network
107 ... management system
The scope of the claims

[Claim 1]
　A host computer, a storage subsystem having a real area and a virtual volume associated therewith, which is a real storage area, and a management system for managing the storage subsystem, having, the storage subsystem is the virtual volume divided into a plurality of partial regions including the plurality of virtual regions configured, a management method of a computer system,
　the management system, the load indicating a change in position of the virtual area as a hot spot in the virtual volume get the concentrated area change information,
　the management system, on the basis of the load concentration area change information, the position of the virtual area to be the hot spots identified load position-invariant time period showing a time period to be unchanged,
　the management system, and displays the specified load position-invariant time zone display device,
management method characterized by.
[Claim 2]
　Method according to claim 1,
　wherein the management system, when obtaining the load concentration area change information,
　　acquired at a plurality of time the access load from said host computer to said plurality of virtual areas of the virtual volume,
　　the plurality for each of the virtual area of the access load of the difference values ​​calculated respectively at different times of the plurality of time
　　for calculating the load concentration area change information by statistically processing the respective difference values,
characterized in that management method and.
[Claim 3]
　Method according to claim 2,
　wherein the management system in identifying band said load position invariant time,
　　separate the day into a plurality of time zones, for each time period, the average of the load concentration area change information in the set period calculates a value,
　　said determining whether the average value is smaller than the set threshold,
　　if the time zone corresponding to the average value is smaller than the threshold value are continuous, the load coupled to the time zone in which the continuous and invariant time zone
management method characterized by.
[Claim 4]
　Method according to claim 1,
　further, the management method of the management system, to the load position invariant time period, and executes the rearrangement of data stored in the real area.
[Claim 5]
　In claim 4,
　wherein the management system is, when you run the layout change of the data,
　　it said to get the information of the number of accesses in the load position invariant time zone,
　　from the configuration information of the and the access number of information storage subsystem identifies the hierarchical which the data of the real area is disposed corresponding to the virtual area of the target,
　　if the current hierarchical data is placed in the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target it is different from the identified hierarchical to, migrate to a different hierarchy data to the current hierarchy virtual area the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target,
the management method characterized by.
[6.]
　Method according to claim 5,
　wherein the management system, the if there is no free space on the identified hierarchy, replacing the data of the real area corresponding to the relevant stored in the specified hierarchical data virtual area of the target it allows management method characterized by performing the rearrangement of data.
[7.]
　Method according to claim 4,
　wherein the management system, in the virtual volume, data is assigned a zero data to the virtual area unallocated manages it as zero data virtual area,
　wherein the management system, the arrangement of the data when you run the change, said the virtual region with the exception of the zero-data virtual area of the virtual volume,
　　to get the access number of the information in the load position invariant time zone,
　　the configuration information of the and the access number of information storage subsystem from identifies the hierarchy to data in the real area is disposed corresponding to the virtual area of the target,
　　the current hierarchical data is placed in the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target is different from the identified hierarchical case, the process proceeds to different hierarchies from the data the current tier of the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target,
the management method characterized by.
[8.]
　Method according to claim 1,
I) said management system, said in obtaining load concentration area change information,
　　acquired at a plurality of time the access load from said host computer to said plurality of virtual areas of the virtual volume,
　　for each of the plurality of virtual regions, the access load of the differential values ​​at different times of the plurality of time was calculated respectively,
　　and calculates said load concentration area change information by statistically processing each difference value,
ii ) the management system in identifying band said load position invariant time,
　　separate the day plurality of time zones, for each time period, an average value of the load concentration area change information in the set period ,
　　wherein it is determined whether the average value is smaller than the set threshold,
　　if the time zone corresponding to the average value is smaller than the threshold value are continuous, the a load invariant time zone by combining the time zone of the continuous ,
iii) the management method, further,
　　the load position is calculated the average value of the number of accesses in the invariant time zone within the start a predetermined time,
　　from the configuration information of the average value of the number of accesses and the storage subsystem, the target virtual identify the hierarchy to data in the real area is disposed corresponding to the region,
　　if the current hierarchical data is placed in the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target it is different from the identified hierarchy, the target of the data in the virtual area moves to a different hierarchy with the current tier,
　　and updates the configuration information of the storage subsystem after the rearrangement,
the management method characterized by.
[9.]
　A management system for managing the storage subsystem having a real area and a virtual volume associated therewith, which is a real storage area,
　a processor for executing the arithmetic operation,
　a memory for storing information,
　communicating with the storage subsystem a communication port for the,
　the processor obtains the load concentration area change information indicating a change in position of the virtual area as a hot spot in the virtual volume,
　based on the load concentration area change information, the position of the virtual area where the hotspot identifies the load position-invariant time period showing a time period to be invariable,
　storing the identified load position-invariant time zone in the memory is displayed on the display device,
characterized management system that.
[10.]
　Method according to claim 9,
　wherein the processor, when obtaining the load concentration area change information,
　　the access load from said host computer to said plurality of virtual areas of the virtual volume acquired at a plurality of times,
　　said plurality of for each virtual area, the access load of the differential values ​​at different times of the plurality of time calculated respectively,
　　to calculate the said load concentration area change information by statistically processing each difference value,
and characterized in that management system that.
[11.]
　Method according to claim 10,
　wherein the processor, wherein when specifying the load position-invariant time zone,
　　separate the day plurality of time zones, for each time period, set the average value of the load concentration area change information for the period calculates,
　　wherein it is determined whether the average value is smaller than the set threshold,
　　if the time zone corresponding to the average value is smaller than the threshold value are continuous, the load invariant by combining the time zone of the continuous a time zone,
management system, characterized in that.
[12.]
　Method according to claim 9,
　wherein the processor,
　　the load position invariant acquires information of the access number in the time period,
　　from the configuration information of the said number of accesses of the information storage subsystem, data of a real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target There identifies the hierarchy to be arranged,
　　real area if the current hierarchical data is placed in the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target is different from the identified hierarchy, corresponding to the virtual area of the target the process proceeds to different hierarchies from the current hierarchical data,
management system, characterized in that.
[13.]
　Method according to claim 12,
　wherein the processor, wherein if there is no free space in a particular hierarchy, to swap the data in the real area corresponding to the stored in the specified hierarchical data virtual area of the target the management method characterized by performing the rearrangement of data.
[14.]
　Method according to claim 9,
　wherein the processor is in the virtual volume, data is assigned a zero data to the virtual area unallocated manages it as zero data virtual area,
　wherein the processor, the zero of the virtual volume the virtual area excluding the data virtual area,
　　obtains the number of accesses of the information in the loaded position invariant time period,
　　from the configuration information of the said number of accesses of the information storage subsystem, data of a real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target There identifies the hierarchy to be arranged,
　　real area if the current hierarchical data is placed in the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target is different from the identified hierarchy, corresponding to the virtual area of the target the process proceeds to different hierarchies from the current hierarchical data,
management system, characterized in that.
[15.]
　Method according to claim 9,
　wherein the processor,
I) wherein when acquiring load concentration area change information,
　　the access load from said host computer to said plurality of virtual areas of the virtual volume acquired at a plurality of times,
　　the for each of the plurality of virtual regions, the difference value of the access load at different times among the plurality of time calculated respectively,
　　the calculated load concentration area change information by statistically processing the respective difference values,
ii) the management system in identifying band said load position invariant time,
　　separate the day into a plurality of time zones, for each time period, an average value of the load concentration area change information in the set period,
　　the determines whether less than the average value is set threshold,
　　if the time zone corresponding to the smaller the average value than the threshold is continuous, and the load invariant time period by combining the time zone of the continuous,
iii ) Moreover,
　　the load position is calculated the average value of the number of accesses in the invariant time zone within the start a predetermined time,
　　from the configuration information of the average value of the number of access storage subsystem, the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target data to identify the hierarchy to be placed,
　　if the current hierarchical data is placed in the real area corresponding to the virtual area of the target is different from the identified hierarchy, the data of the virtual area of the target It moves to different layers of the current hierarchy,
　　and updates the configuration information of the storage subsystem after the rearrangement,
management system, characterized in that.