Abstract: A method for handling snapshots together with migrated files in a hierarchical storage management may be provided. The method comprises managing files using a first-tier storage and a second-tier storage. The files are organized in a managed file system—e.g., a hierarchically managed file system—in the first-tier storage. The method comprises further creating a snapshot of a portion of the files of the first-tier storage, thereby creating a hidden directory in the file system, deleting a migrated file, and moving the stub file relating to the file to be deleted in the first-tier storage to the hidden directory.

Abstract: Backing up virtual machine operating system data on sequential-access data storage systems is provided. A virtual machine boots into an operating system using operating system data that is provided to the virtual machine from a random access storage unit. The random access storage unit stores the operating system data as a first plurality of blocks. The operating system data is recorded in a sequential order as it is provided to the virtual machine. The operative system data is recorded in a record file. Sequential boot data is recorded on a sequential backup system based, at least in part, on the record file. The sequential boot data is a copy of the operating system data that represent the operating system as a second plurality of blocks based, at least in part, on the sequential order of the operating system data provided to the virtual machine.

Abstract: A method for handling snapshots together with migrated files in a hierarchical storage management may be provided. The method comprises managing files using a first-tier storage and a second-tier storage. The files are organized in a managed file system—e.g., a hierarchically managed file system—in the first-tier storage. The method comprises further creating a snapshot of a portion of the files of the first-tier storage, thereby creating a hidden directory in the file system, deleting a migrated file, and moving the stub file relating to the file to be deleted in the first-tier storage to the hidden directory.

Abstract: Backing up virtual machine operating system data on sequential-access data storage systems is provided. A virtual machine boots into an operating system using operating system data that is provided to the virtual machine from a random access storage unit. The random access storage unit stores the operating system data as a first plurality of blocks. The operating system data is recorded in a sequential order as it is provided to the virtual machine. The operative system data is recorded in a record file. Sequential boot data is recorded on a sequential backup system based, at least in part, on the record file. The sequential boot data is a copy of the operating system data that represent the operating system as a second plurality of blocks based, at least in part, on the sequential order of the operating system data provided to the virtual machine.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for automatic testing a software product comprising a plurality of software packages that are to be installed or de-installed in defined order. Software package dependency and prerequisite information is analyzed for each software package and a dependency abstraction level matrix is created for the software packages. The dependency abstraction level matrix is reduced by searching for software packages assigned to more than one abstraction level, determining the highest abstraction level the software package is assigned to, and deleting the software package from lower abstraction levels that the software package is assigned to. Possible software package test combinations of the software product are determined based on the reduced dependency abstraction level matrix. An installation or de-installation procedure of software packages is performed based on the software package test combinations to test installation or de-installation order of the software packages.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for automatic testing a software product comprising a plurality of software packages that are to be installed or de-installed in defined order. Software package dependency and prerequisite information is analyzed for each software package and a dependency abstraction level matrix is created for the software packages. The dependency abstraction level matrix is reduced by searching for software packages assigned to more than one abstraction level, determining the highest abstraction level the software package is assigned to, and deleting the software package from lower abstraction levels that the software package is assigned to. Possible software package test combinations of the software product are determined based on the reduced dependency abstraction level matrix. An installation or de-installation procedure of software packages is performed based on the software package test combinations to test installation or de-installation order of the software packages.