Abstract: A method for characterizing a data path in a computer system includes collecting data from a software application, the data represents a data path between the software application and a storage system, collecting data from the storage system, the data represents the data path between the software application and the storage system, selecting the data path between the software application and the storage system, and determining a characterization measure of the selected data path.

Abstract: A method for analyzing management risk of a computer network includes selecting a portion of a storage system, determining a first downtime cost associated with a component included in the portion of the storage system, assigning the first downtime cost to the component, and disseminating the assigning of the downtime cost to a user.

Abstract: A locating and forced pullout device of a guide rail in a drawer comprises an inner rail, an intermediate rail and an outer rail. The inner rail provides an elongated groove at the rear side thereof and a stop part is disposed in the groove. The stop part has an upward slant toward an end thereof and is joined to the inner groove vertically. The intermediate rail is sliding relative to the inner rail and provides an elastic frame at the rear side thereof with a central frame hole. Also, the elastic frame has a respective upright rim at two opposite lateral sides. The elastic frame can catch the stop part to form a state of locating as soon as the drawer is pushed back and the engaging edge presses the elastic frame. The elastic frame separates from the engaging edge and bounces back to allow the stop part separating from the elastic frame as soon as the drawer is pulled out.