Method and apparatus for optimizing data storage in heterogeneous environment

A method for a management server in communication with a first storage node and a plurality of second storage nodes, the method comprising:

• providing, by the first storage node, a virtual volume;
• applying, by the first storage node, a first storage function to the virtual volume;
• providing, by the plurality of second storage nodes, a volume to the first storage node, the volume provides storage capacity to the virtual volume provided by the first storage node;
• applying, by at least one of the plurality of second storage nodes, a second storage function to the volume;
• comparing, by the management server, the first storage function and the second storage function;
• and
• sending, by the management server, an instruction to suspend the first storage function or the second storage function to the first storage node or the at least one of the plurality of second storage nodes based on a result of the comparison.

A computer program for a management server in communication with a first storage node and a plurality of second storage nodes, comprising:

• code for comparing a first storage function and a second storage function;
• and
• code for sending an instruction to suspend the first storage function or the second storage function to a first storage node or at least one of a plurality of second storage nodes based on a result of the comparison;
• wherein the first storage node is configured to provide a virtual volume and apply the first storage function to the virtual volume;
• and
• the plurality of second storage nodes is configured to provide a volume to the first storage node, the volume provides storage capacity to the virtual volume provided by the first storage node, and the at least one of the plurality of second storage nodes is configured to apply the second storage function to the volume.