Abstract: A cloud storage system is described. The system includes at least one virtual server comprising at least one virtual storage device, at least one physical machine which includes at least one physical storage device having a data structure stored thereon. The data structure includes a first table of contents associated with a first virtual storage device, and a second table of contents associated with a second virtual storage device. The second virtual storage device is a copied snapshot of the first virtual storage device. The second table of contents is configured to map storage locations within the virtual storage device to node structures that provide pointers to corresponding storage locations with the physical storage device. At least some of the node structures and storage locations are shared by the first and second tables of contents.

Abstract: In accordance with the concepts described herein, a system for providing data storage includes at least one virtual server comprising at least one virtual storage device; at least one physical server comprising at least one physical storage device; a data structure, stored on each of the at least one physical storage devices, the data structure comprising: at least one table of contents, the table of contents configured to map storage locations within the virtual storage device to node structures that provide pointers to corresponding storage locations within the physical storage device; a tree structure having a predetermined number of hierarchical levels, each level containing node structures, the node structures containing pointers that point to other node structures or to data locations on the physical storage device; and one or more core software modules executed by one or more virtual machines, one or more physical machines or both and configured to receive requests to access data in the storage locatio

Abstract: A data center designer (DCD) includes a graphical user interface which allows a user to easily assemble a virtual data center having desired characteristics while at the same time allowing the user to retain a constant overview of their virtual data center. The DCD may also allow a user to implement the design in physical resources.