Abstract: An apparatus provides coherent data copying operations where data replication is controlled by a source storage controller directly to a destination controller and managed by a remote application. The apparatus generates a snapshot version for each source data block changed by one or more write operations to the source data block during the course of a copy operation; and copies each block of the source data to a corresponding block in the destination data in the absence of the snapshot version of the block and otherwise copying the snapshot version of the source data block to the corresponding block in the destination data.

Abstract: Monitoring the physical layer of optoelectronic modules in a storage area network (SAN). In one example embodiment, a method for monitoring the physical layer of optoelectronic modules in a storage area network includes various acts. First, diagnostic data is gathered from a plurality of optoelectronic modules. Next, the diagnostic data is automatically analyzed to determine that any of the plurality of optoelectronic modules is operating outside acceptable parameters. Finally, a solution is automatically formulated to bring the one or more malfunctioning optoelectronic modules back inside acceptable parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a location of a probe in a network are disclosed. Several methods analyze network data received by a probe to identify at least two devices in the network between which the network data is transferred. The method further includes assigning a level of certainty as to the location of the probe based on the at least two devices of the network identified. Another method for gathering information describing a location of a probe includes receiving network data from a probe, the network data representing data transmitted in the SAN through a link coupled to the probe. The link in the SAN from which the information is received defines a location of the probe. The method further includes analyzing at least a portion of a header within the network data to gather information describing the location of the probe. The location of the probe can be included in a topology of the network and the topology can be displayed along with a visual representation of the location of the probe.

Abstract: A DataPath Engine coupled to a SAN provides automated storage provisioning between an application on a Storage Area Network (SAN) attached server and a data volume on a SAN attached storage subsystem. The apparatus provides a simple user interface that allows operators to use pre-created policies for criteria to select data paths that meet organizations uptime and performance requirements. The apparatus uses pathing methodologies to select the optimal data path from the candidates by rating SAN state, uptime, performance, and other key factors. This apparatus allows an enterprise to more efficiently and effectively manage and monitor large, complex, distributed SANs.

Abstract: A DataPath Engine coupled to a SAN provides automated storage provisioning between an application on a Storage Area Network (SAN) attached server and a data volume on a SAN attached storage subsystem. The apparatus provides a simple user interface that allows operators to use pre-created policies for criteria to select data paths that meet organizations uptime and performance requirements. The apparatus uses pathing methodologies to select the optimal data path from the candidates by rating SAN state, uptime, performance, and other key factors. This apparatus allows an enterprise to more efficiently and effectively manage and monitor large, complex, distributed SANs.