Abstract: A technique for managing a boot process on a data storage system having multiple storage processors is disclosed. A first storage processor communicatively coupled to and directs a second storage processor to perform one or more boot sequences. Elapsed time and timeout variables and an empty set of boot states are provided. After sleeping for a predetermined time the elapsed time variable is incremented. If the boot state of the second processor is not successful, the technique determines if the current boot state is a new boot state, and if so, the new boot state is added to the set of boot states and the elapsed time value is reset. The timeout value is set equal to the user defined value. If the elapsed time is less than the timeout value, the technique loops back to the sleep state and continues thereon, else if greater that the timeout value, a failure is indicated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for identifying and enforcing software feature limits across different hardware platforms, software releases, and tiers are disclosed. According to one method, a feature limit data structure is stored on the hardware platform. Each entry in the feature limit data structure is indexed by at least a software program identifier, a software release level identifier, and a feature name. When software is initialized, its release level is determined. A feature limit manager separate from the software being initialized is invoked. At least the software program identifier, the release level, and the feature identifier are provided as input to the feature limit manager. The feature limit manager provides a feature limit value. The feature limit value is stored and the software uses the feature limit value to enforce the feature limit during execution.

Abstract: A method, system, or computer program product for controlling access to software component features is disclosed. There are three available states for selectable component features. The three available states, of which one is selected, are: (i) enabled access to the selected software component features for users and other software component features on a data storage system, (ii) enabled access to the selected software component features by other software component features on a data storage system, or (iii) disabled access to the software component features.

Abstract: A method, system, or computer program product for controlling software installation that can accommodate revisions of software and hardware platforms over time.

Abstract: In accordance with a method and system described herein, in order to map the physical location and connections between all of the components of a network from the perspective of a particular host, i.e., discover the fabric of the network, and the hierarchical relationship between storage disk array components including chassis IDs, storage processors, and storage processor ports, queries are generated and sent to the different operating systems or software that are implemented on the components, i.e., hardware devices of the network. These queries ask the device what it sees. Starting with identifiable starting points and ending points in the fabric, the host selectively queries components within the fabric. Using the query data the host applies a series of comparison and process of eliminations steps, in order to complete a table of the components and connections that comprise the network fabric.

Abstract: The method and system provides for continuing issuance of input/output requests on a fabric having a plurality of paths connected to adapters on a computer managing the input/output requests. If a change in a path within the fabric occurs, a registered state change notification is typically issued on the fabric which is detected. The fabric on which the input/output request was issued is searched for a path failure, and if a failure is detected, a path is recovered.

Abstract: A method and system for pseudo-random testing a fault tolerant network for determining the network's response to failure includes generating an image of the network on a host. At least one path of the network is selected to be physically failed through the use of a random number generator such that the selection is done pseudo-randomly. The part is then failed and the network's response to the failure is detected and all attempts to repair the failure logged up to and including the first successful attempt to repair the failure. In the event of a failure to repair a path occurs, the test is stopped, a repair effected, and the test restarted at the point the failure to repair occurred.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering nodes in a hierarchical computer network is disclosed. The operating system of the network detects and exception condition, recovers only the nodes within the scope of the exception condition, and issues I/O requests to nodes during recovery that are not within the scope of the exception condition. The method may involve a computer network system with a plurality of paths connected to adapters on at least one host computer for managing input/output (I/O) requests between the host computer and fibre channel devices, which have a plurality of logical units (LUNs) associated therewith.

Abstract: A method and system for managing I/O resources for communications between a host and a target device through at least one adapter, involves setting a local resource associated with each adapter. If a target device cannot accept an I/O request, the local resource associated with each adapter is set to the number of I/O resources currently used by each adapter associated therewith. The host is configured to issue no more than the local resource number of I/O requests to any individual adapter. The local resources may be periodically rebalanced to account for changes in system needs.

Abstract: In accordance with a method and system described herein, in order to map the physical location and connections between all of the components of a network from the perspective of a particular host, i.e., discover the fabric of the network, and the hierarchical relationship between storage disk array components including chassis IDs, storage processors, and storage processor ports, queries are generated and sent to the different operating systems or software that are implemented on the components, i.e., hardware devices of the network. These queries ask the device what it sees. Starting with identifiable starting points and ending points in the fabric, the host selectively queries components within the fabric. Using the query data the host applies a series of comparison and process of eliminations steps, in order to complete a table of the components and connections that comprise the network fabric.

Abstract: A host system, such as a server, controls a plurality of different class storage devices on a network. The operating system on the host assigns a unique identification to each storage device using a standard protocol and maintains the identification in the operating system. This allows control of the storage devices without complications even though different classes of devices, using differing identification protocols, are assembled on the same network.

Abstract: A shared-disk cluster system includes a cluster membership manager framework which coordinates the joining or leaving among all nodes in a cluster including taking the multiple layers of involved subsystems through transitions. Subsystems are notified of transitions in particular order depending upon the transition, and all nodes' subsystems receiving a notification must process that notification prior to another layer of subsystems being notified. One of the subsystems registered for notification is an event manager in user space. The event manager carries out transfers of client services, including user applications, resulting from nodes joining and leaving the cluster. This includes a registration and launch service which registers a node, or multiple nodes, in a cluster which claims, or is assigned, responsibility for the service and provides an optional launching function which initiates the client service upon successful registration.