Abstract: A method of detecting a change to a collection of objects is disclosed. One step of the method includes generating a first collection value that is based upon object values associated with the objects of the collection. Another step of the method includes storing the first collection value. The method also includes the step of generating a second collection value that is based upon the object values after the storing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of determining whether the collection has changed based upon the second collection value and the stored first collection value. A computer readable medium which configures a processor to detect a change to a collection of objects is also disclosed.

Abstract: An I/O card for a computer system having a system bus and a first processor, includes a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, a second processor, each operatively coupled to an internal bus. The first connector is configured to detachably couple to the system bus. The second connector is configured to detachably couple to a storage device. The third connector is configured to detachably couple to a network. The second processor is configured to control at least a portion of a transfer of a diverse data object between said storage device and said network via said internal bus. A method of transferring a diverse data object between a storage device and a network is also disclosed.