System and method for efficient data storage

摘要

A system and method for efficient data storage, which reduces data entropy of data on a data storage device. The technique organizes related data entities (such as files on a hard drive) in close physical proximity and in a predictive or ordered sequence, to reduce the amount of time and effort (mechanical, computational, or otherwise) a storage/retrieval device needs to expend locating each data related entity as it processes a sequence of requests. In addition, the data may be organized and stored according to a file directory index structure, whereby file fragmentation is reduced.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method for arranging data files on a data storage device, comprising:
determining logical data relationships between files stored on a data storage device; analyzing available free space on the data storage device; placing pre-determined files in a pre-determined location before re-arranging any remaining files; and re-arranging any remaining files on the storage device by placing logically related files in close proximity to each other physically on the storage device based on the determined logical data relationships between the files and the available free space; wherein the re-arranging is performed for substantially all of the files on the storage device; and wherein the steps of analyzing available free space and re-arranging the files on the data storage device are performed dynamically during system operation.