Abstract: A technique is introduced that enables one or more mechanisms to collect storage and transfer utilization metrics for an account in a distributed data storage system that are more scalable and robust than conventional ways. The technique includes a method comprising, for each of the nodes, of collecting storage utilization data for a one account. The method further includes, for each proxy server, collecting transfer utilization data for the one account. The method further includes, at the controller, generating a cluster account interval (CAI) data based on a raw storage data file and an aggregated transfer data file. The CAI data include storage and transfer utilization data over a predetermined time span.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for secure bi-directional message routing between services running on a different nodes in a computer cluster. According to some embodiments, a multi-tenant computer cluster is accessed online via a controller. The controller, acting as central management system, may establish secure independent connections with each of the many nodes. Messages from the controller to any given node, and vice versa, are wrapped in a routing envelope and transferred over an independent and secure virtual private network tunnel. This allows the plurality of nodes to be centrally managed and utilized as a cluster while not being allowed to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A technique is introduced that enables a server to establish trust of and a secure channel of communication with an unverified client computer, which can be on a different insecure network. To establish trust, the server needs to ensure that the client computer is legitimate, and the client computer similarly needs to ensure that the server is legitimate. With mutual trust established, a secure channel of communication is established between the server and the client computer. With mutual trust and a secure channel of communication established, the client computer can safely communicate with the server, for example, to download software that enables the client computer to join a central management system at the server.

Abstract: A technique is introduced that enables a server to establish trust of and a secure channel of communication with an unverified client computer, which can be on a different insecure network. To establish trust, the server needs to ensure that the client computer is legitimate, and the client computer similarly needs to ensure that the server is legitimate. With mutual trust established, a secure channel of communication is established between the server and the client computer. With mutual trust and a secure channel of communication established, the client computer can safely communicate with the server, for example, to download software that enables the client computer to join a central management system at the server.

Abstract: A technique is introduced that enables a server to establish trust of and a secure channel of communication with an unverified client computer, which can be on a different insecure network. To establish trust, the server needs to ensure that the client computer is legitimate, and the client computer similarly needs to ensure that the server is legitimate. With mutual trust established, a secure channel of communication is established between the server and the client computer. With mutual trust and a secure channel of communication established, the client computer can safely communicate with the server, for example, to download software that enables the client computer to join a central management system at the server.

Abstract: A technique is introduced that enables one or more mechanisms to collect storage and transfer utilization metrics for an account in a distributed data storage system that are more scalable and robust than conventional ways. The technique includes a method comprising, for each of the nodes, of collecting storage utilization data for a one account. The method further includes, for each proxy server, collecting transfer utilization data for the one account. The method further includes, at the controller, generating a cluster account interval (CAI) data based on a raw storage data file and an aggregated transfer data file. The CAI data include storage and transfer utilization data over a predetermined time span.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for secure bi-directional message routing between services running on a different nodes in a computer cluster. According to some embodiments, a multi-tenant computer cluster is accessed online via a controller. The controller, acting as central management system, may establish secure independent connections with each of the many nodes. Messages from the controller to any given node, and vice versa, are wrapped in a routing envelope and transferred over an independent and secure virtual private network tunnel. This allows the plurality of nodes to be centrally managed and utilized as a cluster while not being allowed to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A technique is introduced that enables a server to establish trust of and a secure channel of communication with an unverified client computer, which can be on a different insecure network. To establish trust, the server needs to ensure that the client computer is legitimate, and the client computer similarly needs to ensure that the server is legitimate. With mutual trust established, a secure channel of communication is established between the server and the client computer. With mutual trust and a secure channel of communication established, the client computer can safely communicate with the server, for example, to download software that enables the client computer to join a central management system at the server.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a spare tire is described. The apparatus is a spare tire assembly configured to interface with a vehicle hitch. The apparatus comprises a hitch receiver, a bumper frame, a spare tire holder, an adjustable bolt, and an adjust come. The hitch receiver is configured to interface with the hitch from a vehicle. The bumper frame is fixedly coupled to the hitch receiver. The bumper frame is on a horizontal axis. The spare tire holder is rotatably coupled to the bumper frame with a hinged element that is configured to swing vertically about the horizontal axis. The hinged element also includes an aperture or hole, which receives a locking pin that locks the spare tire holder in an upright position. The adjustable bolt and adjustable cone are configured to receive different size spare tires. When the spare tire holder is in a downward position, the user can have access to a cargo box. In one illustrative embodiment, the cargo box has a utility rack and includes doors that swing outwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a spare tire is described. The apparatus is a spare tire assembly configured to interface with a vehicle hitch. The apparatus comprises a hitch receiver, a bumper frame, a spare tire holder, an adjustable bolt, and an adjust come. The hitch receiver is configured to interface with the hitch from a vehicle. The bumper frame is fixedly coupled to the hitch receiver. The bumper frame is on a horizontal axis. The spare tire holder is rotatably coupled to the bumper frame with a hinged element that is configured to swing vertically about the horizontal axis. The hinged element also includes an aperture or hole, which receives a locking pin that locks the spare tire holder in an upright position. The adjustable bolt and adjustable cone are configured to receive different size spare tires. When the spare tire holder is in a downward position, the user can have access to a cargo box. In one illustrative embodiment, the cargo box has a utility rack and includes doors that swing outwardly.