Abstract: In large complex multi-path storage environments, knowing there is a problem is extremely valuable. Example embodiments of the present invention include a management framework that provides an easy to use and read graphical perspective that allows analysis of faults in a multi-path storage environment. The architecture is not only responsive, scalable, and robust, but also provides “middleware” services to a broad spectrum of enterprise management applications whose domains may extend beyond storage path management.

Abstract: Described are techniques for upgrading a driver. A driver is installed which includes an upgrade facility, a base driver and a first set of one or more driver extension modules for processing input/output operations for one or more devices. Processing is performed to upgrade the driver using the upgrade facility. The processing includes loading one or more upgrade modules associated with a second version of said driver and performing cutover processing for each of the one or more devices.

Abstract: An improved technique for managing access to performance data of a kernel driver includes acquiring performance data in the kernel driver over identified intervals of time marked by the kernel driver itself and transferring the performance data to a persistence manager outside the kernel, where client applications can access the performance data and/or post-processed versions thereof without disturbing the operation of the kernel driver.

Abstract: In large complex multi-path storage environments, knowing there is a problem is extremely valuable. Example embodiments of the present invention include a management framework that provides an easy to use and read graphical perspective that allows analysis of faults in a multi-path storage environment. The architecture is not only responsive, scalable, and robust, but also provides “middleware” services to a broad spectrum of enterprise management applications whose domains may extend beyond storage path management.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting a path through which to send data in a host-based multi-path system. In one embodiment, a system includes a management server that determines a topology of the network and analyzes a plurality of paths for sending data through the network. The management server may also create a path quality index based on the topology and the analysis, the path quality index indicating a quality of individual paths within the plurality of paths. The system further includes a host that receives the path quality index from the management server and automatically selects, based on the path quality index, a path from the plurality of paths through which to send data.

Abstract: An improved technique for handling events in a multipathing driver employs an event queue and a queue manager that run in the kernel of a computing system. The queue manager receives events raised by the multipathing driver, as well as events raised by software constructs, such as application programs. Records of events are added to the event queue in the order the queue manager receives them. Event records may be consumed chronologically by external software. Preferably, the event queue is sufficiently large to store all events arising out of most predicted fault scenarios. Also, the queue manager is sophisticated and can perform certain diagnostic and analysis tasks without the aid of external software.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting a path for an I/O in a storage area network. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving path configuration information for paths associated with a host device connected to the storage area network, a listing of components within the storage area network, and a notification of a component failure within the storage area network. The method may also comprise correlating the received path configuration information, the received listing of components, and the received notification of component failure to determine one determine one or more paths associated with the host device affected by the component failure. The method may further comprise transmitting to the host device an alert for the one or more affected paths.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing path selection. A data operation is received for a metadevice comprising a plurality of metadevice members. A first of the plurality of metadevice members is determined. The first member is the member to which the data operation is directed. In accordance with a load balancing technique for the first metadevice member, path selection is performed to select a first of a plurality of paths. The metadevice is accessible over each of the plurality of paths. The data operation is sent over the first path.

Abstract: A technique oversees a path between a multipathing driver of a host computer and a volume of a data storage array. The technique involves, while the multipathing driver of the host computer sends input/output requests (IOs) to the volume of the data storage array on the path, generating an IOs-Over-Period metric based on outcomes of the IOs, the IOs-Over-Period metric providing a measure of IOs per failure over a period of path operation. The technique further involves performing a comparison operation which compares the IOs-Over-Period metric to a predefined flaky path range having a predefined lower limit and a predefined upper limit. The technique further involves, after performing the comparison operation, outputting a detection signal indicating that the path is (i) flaky when the IOs-Over-Period metric falls within the predefined flaky path range and (ii) non-flaky when the IOs-Over-Period metric falls outside of the predefined flaky path range.

Abstract: In large complex multi-path storage environments, knowing there is a problem is extremely valuable. Example embodiments of the present invention include a management framework that provides an easy to use and read graphical perspective that allows analysis of faults in a multi-path storage environment. The architecture is not only responsive, scalable, and robust, but also provides “middleware” services to a broad spectrum of enterprise management applications whose domains may extend beyond storage path management.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that relate to selecting a path for sending an I/O request from a host to a data storage subsystem from among a plurality of paths from the host to the subsystem. An exemplary method includes identifying a limitation on the traffic level for the plurality of paths, tracking a first metric corresponding to the limitation on the traffic level for each path, and transmitting a first I/O request having an urgency level other than the highest urgency level by one of the plurality of paths whose first metric does not exceed its limitation on the traffic level.

Abstract: In large complex multi-path storage environments, knowing there is a problem is extremely valuable. Example embodiments of the present invention include a management framework that provides an easy to use and read graphical perspective that allows analysis of faults in a multi-path storage environment. The architecture is not only responsive, scalable, and robust, but also provides “middleware” services to a broad spectrum of enterprise management applications whose domains may extend beyond storage path management.

Abstract: A processing platform comprises at least one server, computer or other processing device having a processor coupled to a memory, and implements a plurality of modules for adaptive optimization across an information technology (IT) infrastructure. The modules include a collector configured to gather information from the infrastructure, an analyzer coupled to the collector and configured to analyze the information gathered by the collector, a policy module specifying a plurality of policy sets, and a controller that is coupled to the collector, the analyzer and the policy module. The controller is configured to adjust one or more parameters of the infrastructure via corresponding control points. Associated with the analyzer is a situational analysis framework configured to periodically select and deploy for use by the controller a particular one of the specified plurality of policy sets responsive to changing operating conditions of the infrastructure.

Abstract: An improved technique for handling events in a multipathing driver employs an event queue and a queue manager that run in the kernel of a computing system. The queue manager receives events raised by the multipathing driver, as well as events raised by software constructs, such as application programs. Records of events are added to the event queue in the order the queue manager receives them. Event records may be consumed chronologically by external software. Preferably, the event queue is sufficiently large to store all events arising out of most predicted fault scenarios. Also, the queue manager is sophisticated and can perform certain diagnostic and analysis tasks without the aid of external software.

Abstract: Described are techniques for upgrading a driver. A driver is installed which includes an upgrade facility, a base driver and a first set of one or more driver extension modules for processing input/output operations for one or more devices. Processing is performed to upgrade the driver using the upgrade facility. The processing includes loading one or more upgrade modules associated with a second version of said driver and performing cutover processing for each of the one or more devices.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing path selection. A data operation is received for a metadevice comprising a plurality of metadevice members. A first of the plurality of metadevice members is determined. The first member is the member to which the data operation is directed. In accordance with a load balancing technique for the first metadevice member, path selection is performed to select a first of a plurality of paths. The metadevice is accessible over each of the plurality of paths. The data operation is sent over the first path.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing path selection. A data operation is received for a metadevice comprising a plurality of metadevice members. A first of the plurality of metadevice members is determined. The first member is the member to which the data operation is directed. In accordance with a load balancing technique for the first metadevice member, path selection is performed to select a first of a plurality of paths. The metadevice is accessible over each of the plurality of paths. The data operation is sent over the first path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting a path for an I/O in a storage area network. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving path configuration information for paths associated with a host device connected to the storage area network, a listing of components within the storage area network, and a notification of a component failure within the storage area network. The method may also comprise correlating the received path configuration information, the received listing of components, and the received notification of component failure to determine one determine one or more paths associated with the host device affected by the component failure. The method may further comprise transmitting to the host device an alert for the one or more affected paths.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting a path for an I/O in a storage area network. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving path configuration information for paths associated with a host device connected to the storage area network, a listing of components within the storage area network, and a notification of a component failure within the storage area network. The method may also comprise correlating the received path configuration information, the received listing of components, and the received notification of component failure to determine one or more paths associated with the host device affected by the component failure. The method may further comprise transmitting to the host device an alert for the one or more affected paths.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for disabling an array port in an enterprise storage system. In one embodiment, a system comprises a storage area network (SAN), a plurality of hosts, an array controller comprising a plurality of array ports, and a management server. The management server receives a request to disable an identified one of the plurality of array ports and identifies, from a configuration table stored in the management system server, one or more of the plurality of hosts having at least one path to the identified array port. The management server transmits an instruction to the one or more of the plurality of hosts to disable paths to the identified array port.