Abstract: A multiple file system and/or multi-host single instance store technique includes receiving one or more commands and one or more parameters to create a single instance store, a plurality of volumes and one or more file systems. Information creating the plurality of volumes, including creating a plurality of thin volumes on top of a single instance store solution, are stored in a volume manager configuration file. Information creating the one or more file systems, wherein each file system is created on top of the plurality of volumes including the plurality of thin volumes, are stored in a file system configuration file.

Abstract: Techniques for allocating/reducing storage required for one or more virtual machines are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for allocating storage for one or more virtual machines. The method may comprise providing one or more virtual machines. The method may also comprise creating one or more master images containing one or more commonly used blocks. The method may also comprise creating one or more Copy on Write volumes, where each Copy on Write volume may be associated with at least one of the one or more virtual machines and at least one of the one or more master images, and wherein updated blocks may be stored in at least one of the one or more Copy on Write volumes, thereby reducing storage required for one or more virtual machines.

Abstract: A multiple file system and/or multi-host single instance store technique includes receiving one or more commands and one or more parameters to create a single instance store, a plurality of volumes and one or more file systems. Information creating the plurality of volumes, including creating a plurality of thin volumes on top of a single instance store solution, are stored in a volume manager configuration file. Information creating the one or more file systems, wherein each file system is created on top of the plurality of volumes including the plurality of thin volumes, are stored in a file system configuration file.