In a method to automate configuration of a storage virtualized environment
in a system that includes one or more storage systems having array groups
and one or more storage virtualizers, a management terminal selects an
array group that is able to meet specifications for allocating a logical
volume. The management terminal requests that the volume be allocated in
the selected array group on a selected storage system. The management
terminal determines the storage virtualizer that meets predetermined
criteria, such as having the lightest workload, and selects an
appropriate virtualizer. The management terminal requests that a virtual
volume be created on the selected virtualizer, with the virtual volume
mapping to the newly-allocated logical volume on the storage system and
to one or more specified client hosts.