Abstract: A method and system for use in managing enhanced write caching is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method and system comprises performing write-back caching operations using a write cache of a storage processor of a data storage system. A first cache page corresponding to a disk location is provided in the write cache. A host is allowed to write to a second cache page in the write cache corresponding to the same disk location. Both the first and second cache pages are maintained after acknowledging the write to the host.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a cluster of computer nodes to save and restore state in the cluster in the event of node failures. The system and method are implemented through an application programming interface that includes a membership application, a locks application and a dataspace application. The membership application maintains a set of nodes in the cluster. The lock application provides a means for service applications running on the nodes to synchronize access to dataspaces. The dataspaces provide a cluster-wide shared regions in the memory of the cluster members. The API is configured to monitor the cluster members and to coordinate reallocation of a service application if a node running the service application fails.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a cluster of computer nodes to save and restore state in the cluster in the event of node failures. The system and method are implemented through an application programming interface that includes a membership application, a locks application and a dataspace application. The membership application maintains a set of nodes in the cluster. The lock application provides a means for service applications running on the nodes to synchronize access to dataspaces. The dataspaces provide a cluster-wide shared regions in the memory of the cluster members. The API is configured to monitor the cluster members and to coordinate reallocation of a service application if a node running the service application fails.

Abstract: A communications network having a dial-up conference arrangement is disclosed. The conference host can summon an operator and cause the conference details to be displayed at an operator position. The detailed information presented to the operator permits the operator to identify conferees independently of the directory number that was used to dial-up the conferee. This permits the operator to redial dropped legs, transfer control of the conference and perform other functions with respect to the identified conferee.

Abstract: A communication network is disclosed having a customer interactive special service facility, such as a conference arrangement. At the customer's request, or if trouble is encountered, an operator position is alerted with the identity of the special service facility. Using this identity, the operator can cause the status of the special service facility to be displayed at the operator's position and thereafter exercise control over the facility.

Abstract: A communication network having a meet-me conference bridge is disclosed. The conference is accessed by each conferee dialing a code assigned to the bridge. A conference host is given a special code which accesses the same bridge but identifies the host as the controller who can add on other conferees and perform other special functions.

Abstract: In a telecommunications conference system, a warning tone is applied to a conference bridge to inform the participants that another conferee is about to be included in the conference. The conferee is only added after a brief interval so as not to disrupt the existing conference.

Abstract: A dial-up audio/data conference arrangement is disclosed wherein the originator of the conference has certain speaker priorities and control capabilities e.g., adding and deleting conferees, etc. The originator, under the guidance of voice prompts, can transfer this control to another party on the conference.

Abstract: A communication network including a conference arrangement is disclosed. When a conferee disconnects from a conference, a tone is coupled to the bridge to inform the remaining conferees. The identity of the disconnected conference station is then transmitted to the controller who can cause the connection to be reestablished automatically.

Abstract: A conference arrangement is disclosed having a plurality of logical multiport bridges for conferencing customer stations. Equipment units common to the bridges can be selectively connected to a station controlling each bridge. Upon the detection of a faulty unit, the interaction between the controlling station and the bridge is halted while a new unit is substituted. Announcements prompt the controlling station to reactivate the transaction that was halted. If the controlling station is off the bridge when the fault is detected and substituted equipment is unavailable, the station is forced back on the bridge, until a new unit becomes available.

Abstract: For use in multiport digital conference arrangements wherein the speech samples of selected speakers are summed for distribution to the conferees, the disclosed arrangement features processor-controlled switching hardware responsive to a control signal from a conference control processor. Generated in response to a request from a port for priority treatment, this control signal designates particular conferees as having assigned priority treatment such as attendant and broadcast priority in the speaker selection process. In addition, the arrangement also includes a speech detector for each port. By evaluating the conferee's assigned priority treatment, the conferee's speech level, and other factors, each conferee is dynamically assigned an adjusted priority level by a conference processing program. The speech samples of only the highest priority level conferees are summed to control various types of distortion and to permit designated conferees to be always heard by the other conferees.

Abstract: A network services complex having an audio conference bridge, a data conference bridge, a tone receiver and a data store announcement system is disclosed. The complex is connected to a telephone network via a host toll switching center. Customers dialing over the network using a keyset can selectively establish audio-only, data-only and combined audio/data conferences. Announcements from the data store prompt the customer in the use of the arrangement and request the user to reenter information when the customer makes an error. Should the customer make too many errors, an operator is summoned.

Abstract: A processor controlled conference arrangement is connected to a host switching system. The availability of conference resources (e.g., ports, registers, etc.) and processor real time capacity is measured before a call is forwarded to the conference arrangement.

Abstract: A clock synchronization unit for controlling frequency and phase of a local clock and synchronism with an external clock signal, employs a programmable controller as a part of a phase-locked loop. The controller provides highly accurate control of the clock, including verification of the accuracy of the clock control signal before applying it to the clock oscillator as well as control of the magnitude to the clock oscillator to avoid rapid changes in frequency. In one particular embodiment, the programmable controller comprises duplicated microprocessors which perform operations in step. In a master/slave oscillator arrangement, the controller controls the slave clock oscillator as well as the master to assure tracking of the slave to the master.