Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method groups two or more servers in a share group. The method then tracks how many rights to use a particular hardware module type are owned and in use by each of the servers. If a first one of the servers needs to activate an inactive one of the particular hardware module type, but does not own an unused right to use the particular hardware module type, the method then i) requests a second one of the servers to inactivate one of its hardware modules, thereby freeing a right to use the particular hardware module type, and ii) claims the freed right of the second server for use by the first server. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a requested level of service for a transaction wherein the transaction may be processed in accordance with the requested level of service. The invention is preferably embodied in computer readable program code stored in suitable storage media, and comprises, program code for selecting the requested level of service for the transaction, and program code for assigning the requested level of service to the transaction. The transaction is preferably a packetized signal comprising at least a data packet having a service tag associated therewith, wherein the service tag includes the requested level of service. The requested level of service can be any suitable factors or combination thereof, and can be assigned at any point on the network. The service tag is read from the transaction using suitable program code (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically allocating computing resources of a rack-and-blade computer assembly. The method includes receiving server performance information from an application server pool disposed in a rack of a rack-and-blade computer assembly, and determining at least one QoS attribute for the application server pool. If the QoS attribute is below a standard, a blade server is allocated from a free server pool for use by the application server pool. If the QoS attribute is above a standard, at least one server is removed from the application server pool. An article of manufacture including a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for automatically allocating computing resources of a rack-and-blade computer assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring application performance. In one embodiment, the system comprises resource data including information on a plurality of resources, the resources including a plurality of computers, application data including one or more application profiles, each application profile having a performance profile and a resource profile, the resource profile including resource utilization information. The system further comprises policy data including one or more application performance policies and one or more resource utilization policies, and a monitoring agent to monitor the application data for compliance with the policy data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing a transaction to a partitioned server. The invention comprises identifying a plurality of partitions (e.g., logical, resource, etc.) on the server, determining a configuration for each partition, and providing the configuration to a load balancer, wherein the load balancer routes the transaction to one of the partitions based at least in part on the configuration thereof. The invention may further comprise assigning a rank to each partition based at least in part on the configuration thereof, wherein the transaction is routed based on the respective rank. The configuration may be determined in response to an event, on a continuous basis, etc. In addition, the load balancer may also use other factors, in combination with the configuration, to route the transaction to the partition, such as a characteristic of the transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically allocating computing resources in a partitioned server. The method includes determining that a partition of the partitioned server requires activation of a reserve processor, determining that another partition of the partitioned server has an active processor that may be deactivated, activating the reserve processor, and deactivating the active processor. An article of manufacture including a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for automatically allocating computing resources in a partitioned server.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to automatically activate a reserve resource when the load on a number of active resources (e.g., a number of CPUs or servers) meets a threshold. A resource usage policy specifying at least one threshold and having a corresponding task is compared to a monitored load on the active resource. When the monitored load meets the threshold as specified in the resource usage policy, the corresponding task is performed. For instance, the corresponding task can be to signal an event manager (e.g., a pager), to activate a reserve resource, etc. Once a reserve resource is activated, the load is balanced among the number of active resources and the activated reserve resource. When the load drops below the threshold, the processor can deactivate the reserve resource. In a preferred embodiment, the processor updates a configuration profile for tracking each of the resources. Another embodiment includes charging a fee for monitoring and activation.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically allocating computing resources in a partitioned server. The method includes determining that a partition of the partitioned server requires activation of a reserve processor, determining that another partition of the partitioned server has an active processor that may be deactivated, activating the reserve processor, and deactivating the active processor. An article of manufacture including a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for automatically allocating computing resources in a partitioned server.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically allocating computing resources of a rack-and-blade computer assembly. The method includes receiving server performance information from an application server pool disposed in a rack of a rack-and-blade computer assembly, and determining at least one QoS attribute for the application server pool. If the QoS attribute is below a standard, a blade server is allocated from a free server pool for use by the application server pool. If the QoS attribute is above a standard, at least one server is removed from the application server pool. An article of manufacture including a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for automatically allocating computing resources of a rack-and-blade computer assembly.

Abstract: A method for determining appropriate adjustments of computer system parameter values in order to improve system performance. The method for this determination is based on historical performance data. Methods are disclosed which involve measuring current system performance and retrieving paired stored values of measured system performance and a selected system parameter. The decision as to whether or not to adjust the value of the selected system parameter is based on performing a trend analysis on the paired values. When such changes are made, subsequent measurement of system performance is performed and beneficial changes are implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing a transaction to a partitioned server. The invention comprises identifying a plurality of partitions (e.g., logical, resource, etc.) on the server, determining a configuration for each partition, and providing the configuration to a load balancer, wherein the load balancer routes the transaction to one of the partitions based at least in part on the configuration thereof. The invention may further comprise assigning a rank to each partition based at least in part on the configuration thereof, wherein the transaction is routed based on the respective rank. The configuration may be determined in response to an event, on a continuous basis, etc. In addition, the load balancer may also use other factors, in combination with the configuration, to route the transaction to the partition, such as a characteristic of the transaction.

Abstract: A method for determining appropriate adjustments of computer system parameter values in order to improve system performance. The method for this determination is based on historical performance data. Methods are disclosed which involve measuring current system performance and retrieving paired stored values of measured system performance and a selected system parameter. The decision as to whether or not to adjust the value of the selected system parameter is based on performing a trend analysis on the paired values. When such changes are made, subsequent measurement of system performance is performed and beneficial changes are implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a requested level of service for a transaction wherein the transaction may be processed in accordance with the requested level of service. The invention is preferably embodied in computer readable program code stored in suitable storage media, and comprises, program code for selecting the requested level of service for the transaction, and program code for assigning the requested level of service to the transaction. The transaction is preferably a packetized signal comprising at least a data packet having a service tag associated therewith, wherein the service tag includes the requested level of service. The requested level of service can be any suitable factors or combination thereof, and can be assigned at any point on the network. The service tag is read from the transaction using suitable program code (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing a transaction to a server based on a requested level of service associated with the transaction. The transaction is preferably packetized and the requested level of service is indicated by a service tag associated therewith as part of the packetized transaction. A load balancer monitors the service level provided by each server in a server pool and generates a server index. The server index at least identifies each server and the corresponding service level. When the transaction is received at the load balancer, the service tag is read to determine the requested level of service. The load balancer selects a server from the server pool using the server index to determine which server is best providing the requested level of service and the transaction is then directed to that server. Alternatively, the load balancer can direct the transaction to a server within a group of servers that best provides the requested level of service.

Abstract: A wood treatment process is disclosed in which in one aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative such as CCA at elevated temperature and pressure. The impregnated wood and excess waterborne preservative are separated while the treatment vessel (8) is pressurized, for example by blowing the preservative out of the vessel at the treatment pressure using a pump (10). Kickback may be segregated from the wood once pressure is reduced after the separation of wood and preservative. In another aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative and with oil, each of the impregnating steps being performed under pressure and the oil being heated. If the preservative is one such as CCA which is capable of being fixed to the wood the hot oil may enhance this as well as providing water repellency. The oil may be a process oil.