Abstract: A method performed by a data storage system includes (a) receiving a set of data storage commands directed to the data storage system, (b) identifying that a subset of the set of received data storage commands satisfies a pre-defined pattern, and (c) in response to identifying, applying a policy associated with the pre-defined pattern to fulfillment of the data storage commands of the subset. The pre-defined pattern (e.g., detecting SCSI Extended Copy commands directed at logical block addresses that are close to each other as part of a single stream) and its associated policy (e.g., serializing the SCSI Extended Copy commands of the stream, and preferably executing them in order by address) may be pre-programmed into the data storage system at configuration time, or the pre-defined patterns and associated policies may be input by a user at any time.

Abstract: A technique for managing a boot process on a data storage system having multiple storage processors is disclosed. A first storage processor communicatively coupled to and directs a second storage processor to perform one or more boot sequences. Elapsed time and timeout variables and an empty set of boot states are provided. After sleeping for a predetermined time the elapsed time variable is incremented. If the boot state of the second processor is not successful, the technique determines if the current boot state is a new boot state, and if so, the new boot state is added to the set of boot states and the elapsed time value is reset. The timeout value is set equal to the user defined value. If the elapsed time is less than the timeout value, the technique loops back to the sleep state and continues thereon, else if greater that the timeout value, a failure is indicated.