Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining pricing for data storage includes receiving from a data provider a request indicating an amount of data storage space in at least one of one or more tiers of data storage, receiving data from the data provider to store in the at least one of the one or more tiers of data storage, storing the data provider's data in the at least one of the one or more tiers of data storage, and calculating a base price for storage of the data provider's data. In another embodiment, a tiered storage system includes a processor, a memory, logic adapted for determining an amount of a data provider's data in each of at least two tiers of data storage, and logic adapted for calculating a price for storage of the data provider's data.

Abstract: Various method and system embodiments for updating software on end hosts in computing environments and particularly storage environments are provided. A remote server pushes the software update image to and through a local server via a network connection and high-throughput channels and to the end host via low-throughput channels. The local server manages the update process; the remote server simply pushes the software update image and the end host simply receives and applies an update. The local server stores the current software image running on the end host and decides whether it is more efficient to simply send the software update image on or to create, send and apply a patch at the end host. This approach reduces the update time of the end host, reduces any disruption of normal message traffic to and from the end host and simplifies patch management.