Abstract: Systems consistent with the present invention perform quiescence of a network storage system in a storage virtualization environment including a virtualization layer that interfaces between a host and at least one storage device, wherein the virtualization layer defines at least one virtual volume comprising objects defining a mapping to data in the at least one storage device and storing information about a state of the at least one storage device in a virtualization database that is distributed across more than one processor in the virtualization layer. A quiescence instruction may be implemented to maintain reliability and scalability of the storage virtualization environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide distributed storage systems that are scalable, secure, available, and manageable. These storage systems may utilize a single storage switch and allow resource sharing while securely separating customer data. A snapshot capability may be provided to capture a point-in-time image of the stored data and to track changes made to the stored data relative to a point-in-time image.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus, systems and computer program code (software) products operable in a digital processing environment, and more particularly a digital storage environment, for enabling a mapping from a set of applications to storage elements used in the digital storage environment, and to provide a hierarchical image of a set of applications (other software programs) that are generating load on any storage element in the digital storage environment.

Abstract: A storage virtualization environment is provided that includes a network switch system for initializing a virtual volume in a system including a host system, and storage devices. The network switch system includes storage processors including first and second tier storage processors and a Virtualization Coherency Manager (VCM) for receiving storage connectivity identifying which storage processors are connected to selected ones of the storage devices. Further, the network switch system includes a master storage processor for creating a logical tree based on the storage connectivity information, the logical tree reflecting a virtual volume of data distributed across the storage devices and includes (i) first tier objects representing partitions of the virtual volume data and (ii) second tier objects representing a logical configuration of the virtual volume.

Abstract: An improvement in a networked digital computing system comprises an Information Resource Manager (IRM) operable to communicate with elements of the digital computing system to obtain performance information regarding operation of and resources available in the computing system, and to utilize this information to enable the IRM to adjust the application parameters relating to application execution, thereby to optimize execution of the at least one application program.

Abstract: A storage virtualization environment is provided that includes a system for providing one or more virtual volumes. The system may include a host system and a set of storage devices, each of which includes physical block addresses that stores data. Further, the system includes a network switch system connecting the host system and the set of storage devices and is configured to define and manage a virtual volume associated with data distributed across the physical block addresses. The network switch system includes a first virtualization layer that maintains first tier objects including information reflecting a relationship between the physical block addresses and one or more logical partitions of virtual volume data. Moreover, the network switch system includes a second virtualization layer that maintains second tier objects including information reflecting a logical configuration of the virtual volume.