Abstract: A method and system for detecting errors in stored pattern definitions. The method describes structuring a pattern definition into a specified format and creating a pattern definition file. The structured pattern definition contents are hashed to generate a filename for the pattern definition file. This filename, along with a corresponding identifier, is added to an identifier document. Each filename in the identifier document is compared with all other filenames to determine a degree of overlap. A potential error is indicated if a filename substantially matches any of the other filenames in the identifier document.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing data in a system for automating responses to system messages is disclosed. The method compiles one or more source files into a database, which includes one or more pattern definitions. Matches and non-matches between one or more pattern definitions and one or more system messages are identified and reported in an output file. The method retrieves only the matches from the output file based on one or more predetermined criteria and generates a printed list of the retrieved matches.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying commonality among pattern definitions among multiple database storage systems. The method creates pattern definition files for all pattern definitions stored in multiple databases. The name of a pattern definition file includes a group name, a pattern number, and a database associated with the pattern definition. A set of pattern definition files with same group name and pattern number are compared with each other to classify the set into exactly matching or partially matching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending a message from a first operator at a first workstation to a second operator at a second workstation in an operations-computing arrangement for operating one or more computer systems. The operations-computing arrangement includes the first and second workstations, which are coupled to respective operations servers. Each operations server is coupled to at least one computer system, each workstation executes software that provides an operator interface for operating a computer system, and each operations server provides an interface to a computer system. The infrastructure used to transmit system-generated event reports to operators at the workstations is used to transmit text messages between operators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating one or more computer systems via an operations-computing arrangement. The operations-computing arrangement includes a plurality of workstations coupled to a plurality of operations servers, and each operations server is coupled to at least one computer system. Each workstation executes software that provides a user interface for operating a computer system, and each operations server provides an interface to a computer system. A first operations server registers with a second operations server for the second operations server to forward event reports received by the second operations server to the first operations server. The second operations server generates event reports in response to computer system events. Event reports are transmitted from the second operations server to one or more workstations coupled to the second operations server, and also to the first operations server.

Abstract: Method and system for automating operations of a computing arrangement. A pattern database is configured with pattern definitions and associated response definitions, and one or more of the response definitions include one or more commands for operating the computing arrangement. A message processor receives messages from components in the computing arrangement and matches the messages against the patterns in the database. If a message matches a pattern, the message processor performs the actions specified in the associated response definition. One or more of the response definitions queue commands to a command queue. The message processor then dequeues and issues the commands at times that are compatible with the operation being automated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a timely, automated re-assignment of resources, such as peripheral devices, memory, and/or processing capacity, among a number of host data processing systems. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention allows peripheral devices, such as tape drives, to be configured as shareable units, and accessed by any participating host data processing system as the need arises. The invention preferably includes a central coordinating facility, which evaluates the device status information gathered, from each participating host data processing system. The device status information is used to determine which host data processing systems have free devices available for use. Within these constraints, the invention automatically orchestrates the re-assignment of selected peripheral devices from where they are not currently needed to where they are needed, with little or no operator interaction.