Abstract: A method for servicing a redundant array of independent storage drives (i.e., RAID) includes performing a service call on the RAID by performing the following steps: (1) determining whether the RAID includes one or more consumed spare storage drives; (2) in the event the RAID includes one or more consumed spare storage drives, physically replacing the one or more consumed spare storage drive with one or more non-consumed spare storage drives; and (3) initiating a copy process that copies data from a storage drive that is predicted to fail to a non-consumed spare storage drive associated with the RAID. The service call may then be terminated. After the service call is terminated, the method waits for an indication that a number of non-consumed spare storage drives in the RAID has fallen below a selected threshold. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture which provides an efficient way to change the function of a programmable logic unit included in a control device--where the control device manages the operational characteristics of a hardware unit--without having to disable system access to the hardware unit during the updating process. The hardware unit remains fully functional throughout execution of the updating method. To perform the update, the hardware unit must be connected to a host system by at least two communication channels. Each communication channel includes a control device including a programmable logic unit. The programmable logic unit is pre-programmed by a first data set which establishes its predetermined operational characteristics. Upgrading the programmable logic unit is accomplished by logically removing one of the communication channels leading from the host system to the hardware unit.