Abstract: An embedded processing unit (eCPU) processes an input/output (I/O) request from a host using a virtual storage controller. The eCPU associates a virtual network interface with a host. The virtual storage controller uses a first transport protocol. The eCPU receives an I/O request directed at a storage device from the virtual storage controller. The eCPU determines a second transport protocol used by the storage device, and converts the I/O request from a format according to the first transport protocol to a format according to the second transport protocol. The eCPU transmits the I/O request to the storage device using the second transport protocol.

Abstract: An embedded processing unit (eCPU) processes an input/output (I/O) request from a host using a virtual storage controller. The eCPU associates a virtual network interface with a host. The virtual storage controller uses a first transport protocol. The eCPU receives an I/O request directed at a storage device from the virtual storage controller. The eCPU determines a second transport protocol used by the storage device, and converts the I/O request from a format according to the first transport protocol to a format according to the second transport protocol. The eCPU transmits the I/O request to the storage device using the second transport protocol.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes instantiating a virtual adapter on a network device connected to a storage array, the virtual adapter capable of communicating with the storage array; determining storage configuration properties for the network device; and provisioning a portion of the storage array to the network device in accordance with the determined storage configuration properties. The method may further comprise associating the network device with a service profile, where the storage configuration properties are specified in the service profile. Still further, the method may comprise configuring the network device in accordance with the associated service profile, where the instantiating is also performed in accordance with the associated service profile.

Abstract: A method for processing inbound and/or outbound data wherein a processing policy is determined for a quantum of data. A quantum of inbound data is received and a data notification for the received data is prepared. The notification for the quantum of received inbound data is delivered to a processor according to the processing policy. When selecting a quantum of outbound data, an outbound data work request for the outbound data is prepared and delivered to an output unit according to the processing policy.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes instantiating a virtual adapter on a network device connected to a storage array, the virtual adapter capable of communicating with the storage array; determining storage configuration properties for the network device; and provisioning a portion of the storage array to the network device in accordance with the determined storage configuration properties. The method may further comprise associating the network device with a service profile, where the storage configuration properties are specified in the service profile. Still further, the method may comprise configuring the network device in accordance with the associated service profile, where the instantiating is also performed in accordance with the associated service profile.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus and method for storage space management performs the steps including: activating a logical volume group; reading pattern-based mapping information from physical volumes in the logical volume group; and using the pattern-based mapping information to determine a target physical extent in at least one of the physical volumes for a received request.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus and method for storage space management performs the steps including: activating a logical volume group; reading pattern-based mapping information from physical volumes in the logical volume group; and using the pattern-based mapping information to determine a target physical extent in at least one of the physical volumes for a received request.

Abstract: A method for processing inbound and/or outbound data wherein a processing policy is determined for a quantum of data. A quantum of inbound data is received and a data notification for the received data is prepared. The notification for the quantum of received inbound data is delivered to a processor according to the processing policy. When selecting a quantum of outbound data, an outbound data work request for the outbound data is prepared and delivered to an output unit according to the processing policy.