Abstract: An offline configuration simulator allows a user to model and manage a simulated data storage system. Once the simulated data storage system is properly configured, a configuration file is applied to a corresponding real data storage system. An existing configuration of the data storage system can be imported into the offline configuration system for further modification.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and article of manufacture to configure information storage and retrieval systems. A configuration loader receives configuration commands from a configuration loader user interface. Upon receipt of configuration commands, the configuration loader transfers storage controller configurations from information storage and retrieval system configuration sources to target information storage and retrieval systems. Threading technology is used to apply a thread manager for managing threads to accomplish the configuration transfers. Multiple physical and/or logical configurations may be transferred simultaneously using the threading technology.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for providing recommended options for a host computer system attachment to data storage facility adapter ports. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes an expert algorithm that provides these recommended setup options for host system fibre channel fabric attachment to storage facility host adapter ports. This algorithm, referred to as the FCFA algorithm, evaluates the data access performance requirements for a host system attachment and produces a recommendation to configure the attachment to a specific set of storage facility ports. A performance requirements evaluation is based on a cumulative rating of several performance related configuration factors that describe a storage facility and how a host system application is expected to access its allocated storage. Recommendation accuracy is gauged according to the availability of configuration factor information.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for providing recommended allocation of data storage facility to a host computer system. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes an expert algorithm that provides these recommended allocations based on a programmed evaluation of host system storage and attachment requirements for a specific storage facility physical configuration. This algorithm, referred to as the FBSA algorithm, provides recommended setup options for fixed block storage allocations to host system attachment. A performance requirements evaluation is based on a cumulative rating of several performance related configuration factors that describe a storage facility and how a host system application is expected to access its allocated storage. Recommendation accuracy is gauged according to the availability of configuration factor information.