Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system, program and data structure for implementing a records retention policy by storing selected files for designated lengths of time and then deleting them only when that time has passed. Embodiments of the invention perform this function in an efficient database-free manner. Embodiments of the invention can perform this function by utilizing existing storage directory tree functionality provided by any computer operating system organized under a retention directory coupled with a mechanism for preventing unauthorized deletions of files designated for retention. Expiration of retained files may be managed through directory structure using directory names corresponding to expiration dates determined from identified retention periods for retained files. Files may be further protected from erasure by a kernel mode process which prevents erasure of any files contained in the retention directory.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for archiving files. A hierarchical file system having directories is provided. An archival retention policy is associated with at least one of the directories in the hierarchical file system, wherein the retention policy applies to files included in the associated directory, and wherein the retention policy specifies a retention time indicating a time period during which a file is subject to the retention policy.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for system recovery. An operating system and a backup copy of the operating system are both maintained in a partition of a computational device. A boot loader receives an indication to load the backup copy of the operating system. The boot loader loads the backup copy of the operating system. The computational device is rebooted with the loaded backup copy of the operating system.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for system recovery. An operating system and a backup copy of the operating system are both maintained in a partition of a computational device. A boot loader receives an indication to load the backup copy of the operating system. The boot loader loads the backup copy of the operating system. The computational device is rebooted with the loaded backup copy of the operating system.

Abstract: Provided are implementations for improved access to information stored on a storage device. A plurality of first nodes and a second node are coupled to one another over a communications pathway, the second node being coupled to the storage device for determining meta data including block address maps to file data in the storage device, and the first nodes being configured for accessing file data from the storage device using said meta data, wherein at least one first node caches data including meta data for a file accessed by said first node. A file application on said first node is configured to get requested file data by accessing said cached data for the file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for expunging backup versions of files that are stored at target servers, wherein the target servers are configured to be sequentially updated. The method comprises uploading a predetermined base file to a backup target server from a backup client, uploading a plurality of delta files to the backup target server from the backup client, and determining the chronological order in which the delta riles were uploaded to the backup target server. The method further comprises determining a set of chronologically oldest delta files, downloading the set of chronologically oldest delta files to the backup client, and merging the downloaded chronologically oldest delta files into a single delta file. Yet further, the method comprises uploading the merged delta file to the target server, and deleting the determined set of chronologically oldest delta files at the target server.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system, program and data structure for implementing a records retention policy by storing selected files for designated lengths of time and then deleting them only when that time has passed. Embodiments of the invention perform this function in an efficient database-free manner. Embodiments of the invention can perform this function by utilizing existing storage directory tree functionality provided by any computer operating system organized under a retention directory coupled with a mechanism for preventing unauthorized deletions of files designated for retention. Expiration of retained files may be managed through directory structure using directory names corresponding to expiration dates determined from identified retention periods for retained files. Files may be further protected from erasure by a kernel mode process which prevents erasure of any files contained in the retention directory.

Abstract: Provided are implementations for improved access to information stored on a storage device. A plurality of first nodes and a second node are coupled to one another over a communications pathway, the second node being coupled to the storage device for determining meta data including block address maps to file data in the storage device, and the first nodes being configured for accessing file data from the storage device using said meta data, wherein at least one first node caches data including meta data for a file accessed by said first node. A file application on said first node is configured to get requested file data by accessing said cached data for the file.

Abstract: A digital data processing system with improved access to information stored on a peripheral device is provided. A bypass mechanism, which executes on at least a first node (e.g., a client node), intercedes in the response to at least selected input/output, or access, requests generated by that node. The bypass transfers data designated by such requests between the first node and a peripheral device (e.g., a disk drive) over a third communications pathway, in lieu of transferring that data via a second node (e.g., a server node) and a first communications pathway (e.g., a network) between the first and second node and a second communications pathway between the second node and peripheral device. Such transfers by the bypass, however, are made using the administrative information maintained by the file system relating to storage of such data on the peripheral device.

Abstract: Provided are implementations for improved access to information stored on a storage device. A plurality of first nodes and a second node are coupled to one another over a communications pathway, the second node being coupled to the storage device for determining meta data including block address maps to file data in the storage device, and the first nodes being configured for accessing file data from the storage device using said meta data, wherein at least one first node caches data including meta data for a file accessed by said first node. A file application on said first node is configured to get requested file data by accessing said cached data for the file.

Abstract: A digital data processing system with improved access to information stored on a peripheral device is provided. The system has a plurality of nodes, a peripheral device, a file system and a bypass mechanism. A first node (e.g., a client node) is connected to a second node (e.g., a server node) over a first communications pathway (e.g., a network). The second node is itself connected to a peripheral device (e.g., a disk drive) over a second communications pathway. The first node, too, is connected to the peripheral device over a third communications pathway. The file system, executing on the first and second nodes, is capable of responding to access requests generated by the first node for transferring data between that node and the peripheral device, via the second node and via the first and second communications pathways. The file system also maintains administrative information pertaining to storage on the peripheral device of data designated by such requests.

Abstract: The invention provides a digital data processing system with improved access to information stored on a peripheral device. The system has a plurality of nodes, a peripheral device, a file system and a bypass mechanism. A first node (e.g., a client node) is connected to a second node (e.g., a server node) over a first communications pataway (e.g., a network). The second node is itself connected to a peripheral device (e.g., a disk drive) over a second communications pathway. The first node, too, is connected to the peripheral device over a third communications pathway. The file system, executing on the first and second nodes, is capable of responding to access requests generated by the first node for transferring data between that node and the peripheral device, via the second node and via the first and second communications pathways. The file system also maintains administrative information pertaining to storage on the peripheral device of data designated by such requests.

Abstract: The invention provides a digital data processing system with improved access to information stored on a peripheral device. The system has a plurality of nodes, a peripheral device, a file system and a bypass mechanism. A first node (e.g., a client node) is connected to a second node (e.g., a server node) over a first communications pathway (e.g., a network). The second node is itself connected to a peripheral device (e.g., a disk drive) over a second communications pathway. The first node, too, is connected to the peripheral device over a third communications pathway. The file system, executing on the first and second nodes, is capable of responding to access requests generated by the first node for transferring data between that node and the peripheral device, via the second node and via the first and second communications pathways. The file system also maintains administrative information pertaining to storage on the peripheral device of data designated by such requests.