Abstract: A method, system and program code for synchronizing scheduler interrupts across multiple nodes of a cluster. Network timers and local scheduling timers are clocked off a system source clock. A processor in each computing node repeatedly reads a network time of day counter. The start of scheduler interrupts is synchronized when the time of day counter is at an integer multiple of a synchronizing integer number of network timer ticks. The processor sends an interprocessor scheduler interrupt to other processors in the node to synchronize scheduling timers in the computing node and throughout the cluster.

Abstract: Processor clock signals are generated for each processor in a HPC system, such that all the processor clock signals are of the same frequency. Furthermore, as part of a startup (boot) procedure, a process sets all time stamp counters (TSCs) of the processors, such they indicate identical times. Each blade of the HPC system recovers a recovered clock signal from a synchronous communication network, to which the blade is coupled. The blade generates a processor clock from the recovered clock signal and provides the processor clock to processor(s) on the blade. Each chassis is coupled to a second, system-wide, synchronous communication network, and each chassis synchronizes its chassis synchronous communication network with the system-wide synchronous communication system. Thus, all the processor clock signals are generated with the same frequency.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a micro ethernet connector includes an outer housing that has a recessed front end and a back end. The micro ethernet connector further includes an inner housing that is disposed within the recessed front end of the outer housing. The inner housing has an exposed end. The exposed end includes a recessed channel. The volume of the recessed channel is substantially equal to the volume of a correspondingly shaped protruding printed circuit board of a male micro ethernet connector. A plurality of spring-biased connectors are disposed within the recessed channel of the inner housing.

Abstract: A high-performance-computer system includes a statistics accumulation apparatus configured to efficiently accumulate system performance data from a variety of system components, and periodically write such data to processor local memory for efficient subsequent software processing of the thus acquired data, thereby reducing the system hardware and software overhead needed for collection of such data as compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include software that provides an operator or a system service the ability to access, control, or configure a plurality of different data center resources using common sets of functions or commands even though those data center resources natively require different commands to access, control, or configure them. The invention is configured to accept common commands and then translate them from a common command format into device specific commands or command sets. The invention simplifies how data center equipment is controlled and configured.

Abstract: A toolless hot-swappable storage module system includes a base plate for mounting within a computer enclosure and a toolless hot-swappable storage module. The storage module includes a sled that is removably coupled to the base plate. The storage module further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) that is disposed on the sled. The PCB includes a plurality of storage media connectors, a PCB signal and power connectors. The storage module also includes a support frame disposed on the PCB. The support frame includes a plurality of support members that are disposed perpendicular to the PCB. Each support member has a first edge and a second edge and includes a plurality of dividers disposed in parallel rows. The support frame also includes a sidewall that is disposed across the first edge of the support members.

Abstract: An associative look-up instruction for an instruction set architecture (ISA) of a processor and methods for use of an associative look-up instruction. The associative look-up instruction of the ISA specifies one or more fields within a data unit that are used as a pattern of bits for identifying data content in a memory structure to be loaded into hardware registers or other storage components of the ISA. Specified parameters of the associative operation may be explicit within the instruction or indirectly pointed to via hardware registers or other storage components of the ISA. The memory structure may be content addressable memory (CAM).

Abstract: A two part process is used for modifying records to be written and retrieved from tape devices. A record is appended with a cyclic redundancy check and a string of zeros. Submitting the entire record to tape drives which are logical block protection enabled will result in no change. For drives that are not LBP enabled, the string of zeros at the end of the record is removed. In addition to determining whether a drive is LBP compliant, a determination may be made as to whether a drive is a linear tape open drive from a particular manufacturer. Linear tape open drives may behave similarly as drives which may not be enabled with logical block protection.

Abstract: A server provides for improved cooling using one or more baffles. The baffles allow for increased cooling efficiencies by directing heat in such a manner as to reduce heat exposure for temperature sensitive hardware and data center employees. The baffle may be disposed within a server and direct hot air through the server away from temperature sensitive devices. The baffle may include an inlet that receives hot air and an outlet through which hot air may exit. One or more fans may be used to direct air through the baffle. For example, the baffle may direct heat from the baffle inlet to the baffle outlet, directing heat away from temperature sensitive devices within the server.

Abstract: A primary data storage system is connected with a separate and external active archive storage system to consolidate data and allow active archive data to be managed based on primary storage system events. The primary data storage system may be managed and maintained by an external entity, and may include a manager module such as a resource manager. The active archive system may include several tiers of storage in a hierarchical storage system and logic for moving data between and among the tiers. As data processing milestones are completed or the state of data changes, in projects stored in the primary data storage system, task milestone or state change events are detected. Event detection can trigger data movement in the active archive solution. One or more software modules implementing the present invention may detect the events and trigger active archive operations based on the events.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method of providing performance data for nodes in a high performance computing system receives a request for performance data for a node in the high performance computing system. According to the method, a driver in kernel space causes the performance data for the node to be stored in kernel memory. The kernel memory is accessible in userspace via a first system file.

Abstract: Computing components housed in a chassis interacts with a bidirectional slide rail system. The bidirectional slide rail system allows the computing components to be maneuvered in two directions—it may be pulled out about halfway to the front of the cabinet and/or pulled out halfway out of the back of the cabinet. This allows for easier access to components of the storage server and allows such components to be serviced from the top of the chassis.

Abstract: The front panel includes intelligence for controlling power, reset and power down functions for a storage enclosure having multiple servers, service processors, and enclosure management devices. The front panel may display information pertaining to system power state, disk activity, Ethernet activity, and other information. The front panel may implement sequencing rules for changes in power state. The front panel provides information for multiple servers and other devices through a single panel.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations, a method for evaluating large scale computer systems based on performance is disclosed. A large scale, distributed memory computer system receives topology data, wherein the topology data describes the connections between the plurality of switches and lists the nodes associated with each switch. Based on the received topology data, the system performs a data transfer test for each of the pair of switches. The test includes transferring data between a plurality of nodes and determining a respective overall test result value reflecting overall performance of a respective pair of switches for a plurality of component tests. The system determines that the pair of switches meets minimum performance standards by comparing the overall test result value against an acceptable test value. If the overall test result value does not meet the minimum performance standards, the system reports the respective pair of switches as underperforming.

Abstract: A multi-tiered data management system utilizes vertical storage tiers, each with one or more horizontal data storage elements, to provide a dynamic and configurable system for managing the storing, archiving and retrieval of data. The system provides an ability to automatically copy data in parallel to multiple types of storage systems horizontally within a tier and vertically between tiers transparently from the host system or user perspective. Users may decide how many backend systems would be utilized and managed, and provide information to define rules or policies for the movement of data into, and among, and from the backend systems and tiers of storage devices. Data is managed by these set policies and determines how long the data will stay in each medium, be migrated between mediums, and otherwise managed. When a user retrieves data, the present system determines which data storage source would best suit the user's request.

Abstract: A method of distributing threads among accelerators in a high performance computing system receives a request to assign an accelerator in the computing system to a thread. The request includes a mode indicative of location and exclusivity of the accelerator for use by the thread. The method selects the accelerator according to a processor assigned to the thread. The method also assigns the accelerator to the thread with the exclusivity specified in the request.

Abstract: A system which semi-automates the assignment of data storage device controllers to data storage devices in a system that contains a plurality of data storage device controllers and a plurality of data storage devices. The object of the invention is to programmatically control which data storage device controllers control which specific data storage devices. The invention eliminates the need for an engineer to travel to a data center to manually reconfigure cables or interconnections between data storage device controllers and data storage devices.

Abstract: High pressure fans are mounted in the middle of an enclosure to create a low pressure zone and a high pressure zone within the enclosure. The high pressure fans pull air through high density sets of hard disk drives in the back of an enclosure and push air through high density disk drives in the front of the enclosure. Being positioned in the middle of an enclosure allows the high pressure fans to mix hot air pulled through the low pressure zone with cool air existing on the other side of the fans. The fans then push the cool mixed air through the next set of hard drives, forming a high pressure zone and allowing the air to exit at the front of the enclosure.

Abstract: A power consumption threshold is implemented to manage power consumed by a plurality of devices. A power consumption threshold may be selected for a data storage system having multiple drives. Policies may control operation of storage devices such as hard disk drives to ensure the power consumption threshold is not exceeded. The policies may implement procedures for scheduling hard disk drive operations based on disk drive power characteristics, scheduling maintenance tasks, managing device power states, and strategically scheduling device operations based on their current state. The policies may be implemented by a data manager application in communication with multiple tiers of a data storage system.

Abstract: A fast mount cache is provided by any offline storage media for fast volume mount access. The fast mount cache may be used as the first level in a hierarchical storage configuration after the high performance tier for data having high access rates shortly after creation but decreases sharply as the data ages. The fast mount cache stores migrated data from online hard disk drive storage and maintains the data on a volume basis as opposed to a file basis. As the fast mount cache capacity fills, or other events occur triggering a volume change, the fast mount cache erases the volume having the oldest data. While data is maintained on the fast mount cache for periods of time soon after it is migrated, the data may be accessed quickly. After the initial period of time has expired, the data only exists on tape storage or low tier data.