Abstract: An apparatus and method implemented in embedded software that transparently redirects local hard drive requests to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) subsystem is provided. The apparatus, contains a large front end cache used to intercept local hard disk I/O requests at the lowest level before forwarding to an external network attached NAS subsystem, providing a transparent high performance centrally managed storage solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method implemented in embedded software that provides instant startup functionality to host computers. The apparatus consists of an embedded controller with microprocessor and interface logic and a large amount of cache memory that is battery protected. The method detects data requested by the host during boot sequences, and saves that and associated meta-data in non-volatile memory. The boot process optimizer can then use this information on subsequent starts to provide the data from the faster cache memory instead of a relatively slower mechanically spinning hard disk drives or other mass memory devices. By utilizing locked in memory indicators, the boot data stored in cache memory will be preserved during subsequent accesses by post-boot operations of the host.

Abstract: A technique that provides faster startup functionality for personal computers (PCs) and servers. Data requested by a host processor from a mass storage device, such as a disk drive, during a boot or start-up sequences is detected. Meta-data that describes the requested data including Logical Block Addresses and Logical Block Counts are stored as an extent list in non-volatile memory. This extent list information is then used on subsequent start-ups to pre-stage the data from the mass storage device into fast memory before it is requested by the host. This technique thereby reduces access times and improves boot performance. The extent list can be merged and manipulated in other ways to ensure that efficient use is made of limited non-volatile memory space.

Abstract: A storage manager platform for a data processing system. The storage manager platform, located within the same housing as a host central processing unit, is connected to receive data from both the processor and a mass storage unit such as a disk drive. The storage manager provides a programming environment that is independent of the host operating system, to permit implementation of storage management functions such as performance, data protection and other functions. Commands destined for the storage manager platform are provided as in-band messages that pass as normal I/O requests, through the disk storage interface, in a manner that is independent of any host system bus in configuration. In certain disclosed embodiments of the invention the application performance enhancement functions can include caching, boot enhancement, Redundant Array of Independent Disk (RAID) processing and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting stale write data bugs associated with storage systems. The detection is accomplished by choosing a data pattern signature for each block of a storage device to be tested. The data pattern signature is then stored in a write log table which provides an index as to the data pattern signature associated with each block. Then, the block is filled by writing, in a repeating fashion, the data pattern signature until all bytes of the block have been written. At a later time, the entire block is read from the storage device. Once read, each byte retrieved is compared against the value of the data pattern signature currently stored in the write log for that block. If a mismatch is detected, then the error is reported and stored in a error log so that the bug may be eliminated.