Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing scalability and reducing latency in relation to managing large numbers of storage arrays of a storage network. Separate, dedicated, communication channels may be established between an array manager running on a server and each of a number of storage arrays for respectively performing reading and writing operations to limit the delays imposed by repeated array connection setup and teardown and improve array communication stability (e.g., as compared to performing read/write operations over the same array connection). The read connection can be used to maintain current state information (e.g., volumes, capacities, and the like) for a plurality of storage arrays in a local cache of the array manager that can be quickly accessed by the array manager, such as for presenting substantially current, summary-type state information of the various storage arrays to a user (e.g., upon the user requesting to configure a particular storage array).

Abstract: A determination is made as to whether a first indicator is configured to allow borrowing of storage space to a first type of storage pool from a second type of storage pool. In response to determining that the first indicator is configured to allow borrowing of storage space from the second type of storage pool, a logical unit is created in the second type of storage pool and a listener application is initiated. The listener application determines that free space that is adequate to store the logical unit has become available in the first type of storage pool. The logical unit is moved from the second type of storage pool to the first type of storage pool, in response to determining, via the listener application, that free space that is adequate to store the logical unit has become available in the first type of storage pool.