Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include array-cluster systems, and methods employed in array-cluster systems, that allow snapshot data to be distributed over multiple arrays within an array cluster. By distributing snapshot data over multiple arrays within an array cluster, the load, generally related to the number of access operations directed to the arrays within an array cluster, may be more evenly distributed among the arrays of an array cluster, preventing increased latencies associated with overloading individual arrays Distributed snapshots may also facilitate high availability and fault tolerance within an array cluster.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing resources in a storage system. One embodiment includes a method that discovers storage resources for arrays in a cluster storage system. A table defines how the resources are divided among the arrays and is provided to the arrays so each array can identify which resources to manage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include array-cluster systems, and methods employed in array-cluster systems, that allow snapshot data to be distributed over multiple arrays within an array cluster. By distributing snapshot data over multiple arrays within an array cluster, the load, generally related to the number of access operations directed to the arrays within an array cluster, may be more evenly distributed among the arrays of an array cluster, preventing increased latencies associated with overloading individual arrays Distributed snapshots may also facilitate high availability and fault tolerance within an array cluster.

Abstract: A data storage device having, for example, a disk array comprising a plurality of independent disks, an array controller for controlling the array and an auxiliary memory device connected to the disk array and array controller for temporarily storing data being moved within the array or being changed from a first data storage type to a second data storage type within the array.

Abstract: A storage device is configured with one or more processes that receive, process, and pass on jobs from a source. The number of jobs received by a process is compared with the number of jobs completed and/or passed on by the process. If the number of jobs that are received is disproportionate to the number of jobs completed and/or passed on by the process, a hang may exist and a corrective action, such as resetting, may be performed along with a request for all or some of the jobs to be resent.

Abstract: Multiple storage devices are monitored to detect failure of a storage device. Upon detection of a storage device failure, a determination is made regarding whether a first data reconstruction technique is available. If a first data reconstruction technique is available, the data is reconstructed from the failed storage device using the first data reconstruction technique. If the first data construction technique is not available, the data is reconstructed from the failed storage device using a second data reconstruction technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for allocating and forecasting computational effort from a plurality of service components among a plurality of workloads. Preferably, processing power or other computational service is allocated among the workloads or tasks so as to optimize overall system efficiency and avoid processing bottlenecks. The inventive mechanism may be advantageously applied to the migration or movement of data between different levels of a hierarchical RAID storage system, between various storage systems, and/or between a storage system and a host device of a data processing system.

Abstract: Multiple storage devices are monitored to detect failure of a storage device. Upon detection of a storage device failure, a determination is made regarding whether a first data reconstruction technique is available. If a first data reconstruction technique is available, the data is reconstructed from the failed storage device using the first data reconstruction technique. If the first data construction technique is not available, the data is reconstructed from the failed storage device using a second data reconstruction technique.

Abstract: A data storage device having, for example, a disk array comprising a plurality of independent disks, an array controller for controlling the array and an auxiliary memory device connected to the disk array and array controller for temporarily storing data being moved within the array or being changed from a first data storage type to a second data storage type within the array.

Abstract: A storage system is described that includes a controller and a disk array. The controller operates to coordinate data transfers between the disk array and an external host computer in response to I/O commands received from the host computer. The controller further operates to execute a background program each time certain conditions are met. Under the direction of the background program, the controller operates to identify corrupt but readable data blocks based upon the value of the data block and the value of an error code stored for the data block.

Abstract: A storage system is described that includes a controller and a disk array. The disk array includes at least a first and a second storage area. The first storage area is associated with a first mean time to failure (MTTF) and the second storage area is associated with a second MTTF. The controller operates to test the first storage area at a first frequency and the second storage area at a second frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency are each based upon the first and second MTTF so as to optimize the overall reliability of the storage system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for allocating and forecasting computational effort from a plurality of service components among a plurality of workloads. Preferably, processing power or other computational service is allocated among the workloads or tasks so as to optimize overall system efficiency and avoid processing bottlenecks. The inventive mechanism may be advantageously applied to the migration or movement of data between different levels of a hierarchical RAID storage system, between various storage systems, and/or between a storage system and a host device of a data processing system.