Abstract: A method for creating snapshots and backups in a virtual computing environment is provided. The method includes writing application output of an application spanning one or more virtual machines as an application consistency group to a writeback cache, wherein the one or more virtual machines are implemented using one or more compute nodes and wherein the writeback cache is implemented in direct attached storage in the one or more compute nodes. The method includes pausing I/O (input/output) operations of the application and marking the pausing, in the writeback cache. The method includes resuming the I/O operations of the application, after the marking and dumping data, according to the marking, from the writeback cache to a data node, as a snapshot.

Abstract: A method and system for load balancing. The method includes determining that connectivity between a first host and a primary array controller of a storage system has failed. The first host is configured to send input/output messages (I/Os) to a storage system through a storage network fabric. An available host is discovered at a multi-pathing driver of the first host. The available host is capable of delivering I/Os to the primary array controller. An I/O is redirected from said first host to the available host over a secondary communication network for delivery to the storage system.

Abstract: A method and system for load balancing. The method includes determining that connectivity between a first host and a primary array controller of a storage system has failed. The first host is configured to send input/output messages (I/Os) to a storage system through a storage network fabric. An available host is discovered at a multi-pathing driver of the first host. The available host is capable of delivering I/Os to the primary array controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing data volumes to a remote computer using journal volumes is provided. In one embodiment, a method for securing data volumes in memory to a remote computer using at least one processor includes accessing at least one data volume and at least one journal volume, replicating the at least one journal volume after each operation of a plurality of file system operations associated with the at least one data volume and creating at least one data volume copy at a remote computer using the at least one replicated journal volume.