Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, predicting the performance of a data storage resource forming part of a networked electronic data store. The method includes representing the data storage resource as a plurality of separate virtual storage components, each virtual storage component representing a part of the data storage resource and having at least one operational state selectable from a pool of operational states. The method further includes obtaining resource profile data from the data storage resource, and modelling the performance of the data storage resource by assigning, from the pool, an operational state to each virtual storage component to fit the resource profile data. By providing such a method, the data storage resource can be represented as a collection of virtual storage components, each having a dynamically-assignable operational state.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, network communication between a client computer initiator and a target data store. The method includes requesting, by the initiator, a data transfer session between the initiator and the target over a network. The request specifies quality of service parameters for the data transfer session. The method further includes receiving, from the target, a response accepting or denying the data transfer session based on the quality of service parameters; and establishing the data transfer session between the initiator and the target if the request is accepted. An advantage in communicating QoS requirements automatically on a per session basis between a client computer initiator and a target data storage resource is that QoS guarantees can be improved because the QoS determination can be carried out at the time the data transfer session is required.