Abstract: A network of PCs includes an I/O channel adapter and network adapter, and is configured for management of a distributed cache memory stored in the plurality of PCs interconnected by the network. The use of standard PCs reduces the cost of the data storage system. The use of the network of PCs permits building large, high-performance, data storage systems.

Abstract: An apparatus includes interface configured to receive input/output (I/O) traffic from a host computer via a dedicated I/O channel. The I/O traffic includes one or more I/O requests. The apparatus includes a network interface configured to receive network traffic from a second device via a network. The apparatus includes a cache memory configured to store data and a storage device configured to store second data. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled via a communication path to the storage device. The processor is configured to access the cache memory during processing of the I/O traffic or the network traffic. The processor is further configured to perform one or more access operations at the storage device based on the I/O traffic or the network traffic. The communication path is distinct from the I/O channel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes interface configured to receive input/output (I/O) traffic from a host computer via a dedicated I/O channel. The I/O traffic includes one or more I/O requests. The apparatus includes a network interface configured to receive network traffic from a second device via a network. The apparatus includes a cache memory configured to store data and a storage device configured to store second data. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled via a communication path to the storage device. The processor is configured to access the cache memory during processing of the I/O traffic or the network traffic. The processor is further configured to perform one or more access operations at the storage device based on the I/O traffic or the network traffic. The communication path is distinct from the I/O channel.

Abstract: A network of PCs includes an I/O channel adapter and network adapter, and is configured for management of a distributed cache memory stored in the plurality of PCs interconnected by the network. The use of standard PCs reduces the cost of the data storage system. The use of the network of PCs permits building large, high-performance, data storage systems.

Abstract: A network of PCs includes an I/O channel adapter and network adapter, and is configured for management of a distributed cache memory stored in the plurality of PCs interconnected by the network. The use of standard PCs reduces the cost of the data storage system. The use of the network of PCs permits building large, high-performance, data storage systems.

Abstract: A network of PCs includes an I/O channel adapter and network adapter, and is configured for management of a distributed cache memory stored in the plurality of PCs interconnected by the network. The use of standard PCs reduces the cost of the data storage system. The use of the network of PCs permits building large, high-performance, data storage systems.

Abstract: A network of PCs includes an I/O channel adapter and network adapter, and is configured for management of a distributed cache memory stored in the plurality of PCs interconnected by the network. The use of standard PCs reduces the cost of the data storage system. The use of the network of PCs permits building large, high-performance, data storage systems.

Abstract: A data storage system comprising a network of PCs each of which includes a cache memory, I/O channel adapter for transmitting data over the channel and a network adapter for transmitting control signals and data over the network. In one embodiment, a method for managing resources in a cache manager ensures consistency of data stored in the distributed cache. In another embodiment, a method for sharing data between two or more heterogeneous hosts including the steps of: reading a record in a format compatible with one computer; identifying a translation module with the second computer; translating the record into a format compatible with the second computer and writing said translated record into a cache memory.