Abstract: A technique enables application data stored on storage devices of a storage system to be accessible by a client as either a file or logical unit number (lun). The storage system is illustratively embodied as a multi-protocol storage appliance having a storage operating system that implements a file system. The file system logically organizes the application data as a virtual disk (vdisk) comprising a plurality of inodes including a prefix stream inode, a lun inode (storing the application data) and a suffix stream inode. The prefix and suffix stream inodes allow the vdisk to be shared over a block-based protocol or a file-based protocol by enabling apportionment of client operating system dependent storage device contents from application data contents of the vdisk.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for selecting and communicating a single disk (a “coredump disk”) for use in a coredump procedure by a failed file server (or filer). A selection method on the failed filer determines the “best candidate” coredump disk according to a predetermined set of criteria. For example, the available disks that can receive coredump data are located and ordered so as to prefer disks that best match the coredump data size requirement, are least likely to be needed for normal service by the server; and require the least preparation to receive coredump data. Appropriate attributes on the selected coredump disk are written to indicate that a coredump is in progress, and the location of the coredump data. Upon reboot of the failed filer (or takeover by a cluster partner), the coredump disk is identified and the coredump data recovered by reading back appropriate attributes.

Abstract: A system and method for reclaims unused space from a thinly provision data container served by a storage system. A host-side agent detects blocks of the data container that may be freed and sends a novel Punch Hole command to the storage system associated with the data container. The storage system allocates the appropriate blocks in response to the Punch Hole command.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system and method are provided for associating multi-media data with an electronic document. A first document editing software application opens a second multi-media capture application. The first application provides the second application with file names and a file system location at which to store created data files. A user uses the multi-media capture application to capture or create multi-media data. The second application then creates files including the multi-media data using the file names provided by the first application. The second application stores the files at the file system location provided by the first application. Because the first application provided the file names and file system location of the multi-media data to the second application, the first application may easily determine where the data is stored. The first application may then retrieve the data from this location to display to the user.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system and method are provided for associating multi-media data with an electronic document. A first document editing software application opens a second multi-media capture application. The first application provides the second application with file names and a file system location at which to store created data files. A user uses the multi-media capture application to capture or create multi-media data. The second application then creates files including the multi-media data using the file names provided by the first application. The second application stores the files at the file system location provided by the first application. Because the first application provided the file names and file system location of the multi-media data to the second application, the first application may easily determine where the data is stored. The first application may then retrieve the data from this location to display to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing more rapid takeover of a failed filer by a clustered takeover partner filer in the presence of a coredump procedure (e.g. a transfer of the failed filer's working memory) is provided. To save time, the coredump is allowed to occur contemporaneously with the takeover of the failed filer's regular, active file service disks by the partner so that the takeover need not await completion of the coredump to begin. This is accomplished, briefly stated, by the following techniques. The coredump is written to a single disk that is not involved in regular file service, so that takeover of regular file services can proceed without interference from coredump. A reliable means for both filers in a cluster to identify the coredump disk is provided, which removes takeover dependence upon unreliable communications mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for selecting and communicating a single disk (a “coredump disk”) for use in a coredump procedure by a failed file server (or filer). A selection method on the failed filer determines the “best candidate” coredump disk according to a predetermined set of criteria. For example, the available disks that can receive coredump data are located and ordered so as to prefer disks that best match the coredump data size requirement, are least likely to be needed for normal service by the server; and require the least preparation to receive coredump data. Appropriate attributes on the selected coredump disk are written to indicate that a coredump is in progress, and the location of the coredump data. Upon reboot of the failed filer (or takeover by a cluster partner), the coredump disk is identified and the coredump data recovered by reading back appropriate attributes.