Patents by Inventor Jacob L. SHEPPARD
Jacob L. SHEPPARD has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10838625Abstract: A method for improving I/O response times in a data replication environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes receiving, at a primary storage system, a request to read data on the primary storage system. The method starts a timer upon receiving the request. In the event the data cannot be retrieved from the primary storage system by the time the timer expires, the method requests the data from a secondary storage system. In the event the primary storage system returns the data before the secondary storage system, the method returns data retrieved from the primary storage system to a host system. In the event the secondary storage system returns the data before the primary storage system, the method returns the data retrieved from the secondary storage system to the host system. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Todd C. Sorenson, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard, Sean P. Riley, Larry Juarez
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Patent number: 10833857Abstract: One general aspect of encryption key management by a data storage controller which communicates with asynchronous key servers is directed to issue a prepare for enable command to request an encryption key from an encryption key server. State machine logic transitions from an unconfigured state to a prepare for enable state in which key server mirror management logic receives from a key server a requested encryption key and caches the received key. In an enabling state, enablement logic verifies successful mirroring of the encryption key by a key server to another key server and activates the encryption key if key mirroring by key servers is verified. In an enabled state, data is encrypted using the verified, activated encryption key. Other features and aspects may be realized, depending upon the particular application.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Rashmi Chandra, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Patent number: 10764291Abstract: Access between a plurality of nodes of the computing environment is controlled by a key server. The key server receives from one node of the plurality of nodes, a request for a shared key, in which the shared key is created for a selected node pair. A determination is made by the key server as to whether the one node is a node of the selected node pair. In one example, the determining checks an alternate name of the one node to determine whether it matches an alternate name associated with the shared key. Based on determining the one node is a node of the selected node pair, the key server provides the shared key to the one node.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Patricia G. Driever, Roger G. Hathorn, Christopher Colonna, John Flanagan, George P. Kuch, Richard M. Sczepczenski, Glen Jaquette, Jacob L. Sheppard, Peter G. Sutton
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Publication number: 20200110541Abstract: A method for improving I/O response times in a data replication environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes receiving, at a primary storage system, a request to read data on the primary storage system. The method starts a timer upon receiving the request. In the event the data cannot be retrieved from the primary storage system by the time the timer expires, the method requests the data from a secondary storage system. In the event the primary storage system returns the data before the secondary storage system, the method returns data retrieved from the primary storage system to a host system. In the event the secondary storage system returns the data before the primary storage system, the method returns the data retrieved from the secondary storage system to the host system. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2018Publication date: April 9, 2020Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Todd C. Sorenson, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard, Sean P. Riley, Larry Juarez
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Publication number: 20200076585Abstract: Key management for encrypted data. A node, such as a storage device, obtains a shared key to be used in cryptographic operations. The obtaining includes using an identifier of another node, such as a host of the computing environment, and a unique identifier of the shared key to obtain the shared key. The obtained shared key is then used in one or more cryptographic operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Jacob L. Sheppard, Igor Popov, Roger G. Hathorn, Bernhard Laubli
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Publication number: 20200076807Abstract: Access between a plurality of nodes of the computing environment is controlled by a key server. The key server receives from one node of the plurality of nodes, a request for a shared key, in which the shared key is created for a selected node pair. A determination is made by the key server as to whether the one node is a node of the selected node pair. In one example, the determining checks an alternate name of the one node to determine whether it matches an alternate name associated with the shared key. Based on determining the one node is a node of the selected node pair, the key server provides the shared key to the one node.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Patricia G. Driever, Roger G. Hathorn, Christopher Colonna, John Flanagan, George P. Kuch, Richard M. Sczepczenski, Glen Jaquette, Jacob L. Sheppard, Peter G. Sutton
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Publication number: 20190238331Abstract: One general aspect of encryption key management by a data storage controller which communicates with asynchronous key servers is directed to issue a prepare for enable command to request an encryption key from an encryption key server. State machine logic transitions from an unconfigured state to a prepare for enable state in which key server mirror management logic receives from a key server a requested encryption key and caches the received key. In an enabling state, enablement logic verifies successful mirroring of the encryption key by a key server to another key server and activates the encryption key if key mirroring by key servers is verified. In an enabled state, data is encrypted using the verified, activated encryption key. Other features and aspects may be realized, depending upon the particular application.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Rashmi Chandra, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Patent number: 10108362Abstract: A director node of a plurality of nodes determines a plurality of data arrays, where the plurality of data arrays have been discovered at boot time. The director node determines global metadata information, based on reading boot sectors of at least one of the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time. A determination is made from the global metadata information as to how many data arrays had been previously configured. In response to determining that the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time is not equal in number to the previously configured data arrays, the director node determines that all configured data arrays have not been discovered.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Patent number: 10013171Abstract: A method for reducing stress on a RAID under rebuild is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes performing the following actions while the RAID is undergoing a rebuild process: (1) redirect writes intended for the RAID to a temporary storage area located on a same primary storage system as the RAID, and (2) redirect reads intended for the RAID to a secondary storage system configured to store a copy of data in the RAID. The method is further configured to perform the following actions upon completing the rebuild process: (3) update the rebuilt RAID to reflect writes made to the temporary storage area during the rebuild process, and (4) redirect reads and writes to the rebuilt RAID. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Herve G. P. Andre, Rashmi Chandra, Glynis G. Dsouza, Larry Juarez, Tony Leung, Igor Popov, Jacob L. Sheppard, Todd C. Sorenson
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Publication number: 20160378339Abstract: A method for reducing stress on a RAID under rebuild is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes performing the following actions while the RAID is undergoing a rebuild process: (1) redirect writes intended for the RAID to a temporary storage area located on a same primary storage system as the RAID, and (2) redirect reads intended for the RAID to a secondary storage system configured to store a copy of data in the RAID. The method is further configured to perform the following actions upon completing the rebuild process: (3) update the rebuilt RAID to reflect writes made to the temporary storage area during the rebuild process, and (2) redirect reads and writes to the rebuilt RAID. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Herve G. P. Andre, Rashmi Chandra, Glynis G. Dsouza, Larry Juarez, Tony Leung, Igor Popov, Jacob L. Sheppard, Todd C. Sorenson
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Patent number: 9336012Abstract: A plurality of data arrays are coupled to a plurality of nodes via a plurality of adapters. The plurality of adapters discover the plurality of data arrays during startup, and information about the plurality of data arrays are communicated to corresponding local nodes of the plurality of nodes, wherein the local nodes broadcast the information to other nodes of plurality of nodes. A director node of the plurality of nodes determines which data arrays of the plurality of data arrays are a current set of global metadata arrays, based on the broadcasted information.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Publication number: 20160034283Abstract: A plurality of data arrays are coupled to a plurality of nodes via a plurality of adapters. The plurality of adapters discover the plurality of data arrays during startup, and information about the plurality of data arrays are communicated to corresponding local nodes of the plurality of nodes, wherein the local nodes broadcast the information to other nodes of plurality of nodes. A director node of the plurality of nodes determines which data arrays of the plurality of data arrays are a current set of global metadata arrays, based on the broadcasted information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Patent number: 9244621Abstract: A plurality of data arrays are coupled to a plurality of nodes via a plurality of adapters. The plurality of adapters discover the plurality of data arrays during startup, and information about the plurality of data arrays are communicated to corresponding local nodes of the plurality of nodes, wherein the local nodes broadcast the information to other nodes of plurality of nodes. A director node of the plurality of nodes determines which data arrays of the plurality of data arrays are a current set of global metadata arrays, based on the broadcasted information.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Publication number: 20160019003Abstract: A director node of a plurality of nodes determines a plurality of data arrays, where the plurality of data arrays have been discovered at boot time. The director node determines global metadata information, based on reading boot sectors of at least one of the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time. A determination is made from the global metadata information as to how many data arrays had been previously configured. In response to determining that the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time is not equal in number to the previously configured data arrays, the director node determines that all configured data arrays have not been discovered.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Patent number: 9207868Abstract: A director node of a plurality of nodes determines a plurality of data arrays, where the plurality of data arrays have been discovered at boot time. The director node determines global metadata information, based on reading boot sectors of at least one of the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time. A determination is made from the global metadata information as to how many data arrays had been previously configured. In response to determining that the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time is not equal in number to the previously configured data arrays, the director node determines that all configured data arrays have not been discovered.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Publication number: 20140115309Abstract: A director node of a plurality of nodes determines a plurality of data arrays, where the plurality of data arrays have been discovered at boot time. The director node determines global metadata information, based on reading boot sectors of at least one of the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time. A determination is made from the global metadata information as to how many data arrays had been previously configured. In response to determining that the plurality of data arrays discovered at boot time is not equal in number to the previously configured data arrays, the director node determines that all configured data arrays have not been discovered.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Publication number: 20140115253Abstract: A plurality of data arrays are coupled to a plurality of nodes via a plurality of adapters. The plurality of adapters discover the plurality of data arrays during startup, and information about the plurality of data arrays are communicated to corresponding local nodes of the plurality of nodes, wherein the local nodes broadcast the information to other nodes of plurality of nodes. A director node of the plurality of nodes determines which data arrays of the plurality of data arrays are a current set of global metadata arrays, based on the broadcasted information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Ellen J. Grusy, Kurt A. Lovrien, Karl A. Nielsen, Jacob L. Sheppard
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Patent number: 8433868Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product embodiments for concurrent copy of system configuration global metadata in a data storage system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a global data rank is quiesced, followed by an unquiesce of the global data rank except for a global metadata area. The global metadata area is updated in memory, and then unquiesced. A current range of the global metadata area to be copied is quiesced. The current range of the global metadata area is copied from a source area to a target area. The current range is unquiesced. The steps of quiescing an additional current range, copying the range from a source area to a target area, and unquiescing the current range continue until the entire global metadata area has been copied.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Karl A. Nielsen, Richard A. Ripberger, Jacob L. Sheppard, Richard B. Stelmach
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Publication number: 20110185137Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product embodiments for concurrent copy of system configuration global metadata in a data storage system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a global data rank is quiesced, followed by an unquiesce of the global data rank except for a global metadata area. The global metadata area is updated in memory, and then unquiesced. A current range of the global metadata area to be copied is quiesced. The current range of the global metadata area is copied from a source area to a target area. The current range is unquiesced. The steps of quiescing an additional current range, copying the range from a source area to a target area, and unquiescing the current range continue until the entire global metadata area has been copied.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Karl A. NIELSEN, Richard A. RIPBERGER, Jacob L. SHEPPARD, Richard B. STELMACH