Abstract: A method and system for content pre-fetching during a processing system pre-boot runtime. First, it is determined when a processor of a processing system is in one of a busy wait state and an idle state during a pre-boot runtime of the processing system. Then, content is pre-fetched from a data storage unit of the processing system. The content is pre-fetched based upon a pre-fetch profile. The content is loaded into system memory of the processing system.

Abstract: A method and system for content pre-fetching during a processing system pre-boot runtime. First, it is determined when a processor of a processing system is in one of a busy wait state and an idle state during a pre-boot runtime of the processing system. Then, content is pre-fetched from a data storage unit of the processing system. The content is pre-fetched based upon a pre-fetch profile. The content is loaded into system memory of the processing system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for a service processor architecture. The service processor provides an extensible execution environment for a platform (or other device) that is accessible when the host system is non-functional. In an embodiment, the service processor has one or more platform-independent external interfaces to provide a communications link between the service processor and one or more management resources.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, an program for power management of storage units in a storage array. A power profile is accessed for a storage array including a plurality of storage units, wherein each storage unit is enabled to operate in one of a plurality of power consumption modes, and wherein the power profile indicates a power mode specifying a power consumption mode. Data is migrated from at least one storage unit to at least one storage unit designated as an active storage unit consuming power in an active power consumption mode. The power consumption mode of at least one storage unit not designated as active is altered to the specified power consumption mode indicated in the accessed profile, wherein the specified power consumption mode consumes less power than the active power consumption mode.

Abstract: A method to qualify access to a block storage device via augmentation of the device's controller and firmware flow. The method employs one or more block exclusion vectors (BEVs) that include attributes specifying allowed access operations for corresponding block address ranges. Logic in accordance with the BEVs is programmed into the controller for the block storage device, such as a disk drive controller for a disk drive. In response to an access request, a block address range corresponding to the storage block(s) requested to be accessed is determined. Based on the BEV entries, a determination is made to whether the determined logical block address range is covered by a corresponding BEV entry. If so, the attributes of the BEV are used to determine whether the access operation is allowed. The method may be used to secure access to firmware stored on a disk drive, thus enabling a system configuration that does not require a conventional firmware storage device.

Abstract: A method to Suspend-and-Resume across various operational environment contexts is disclosed. An environmental context is saved in a disk partition corresponding to the saved environment. The system is suspended. Upon resume, a selected environmental context is selected for boot or resume. This method of switching contexts may also be used for trusted execution, manageability, and other purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to execute a pre-boot application within an emulated pre-boot environment to test functionality of the pre-boot application. The emulated pre-boot environment is executed within a user mode of an operating system (“OS”) during an OS runtime of the processing system. The pre-boot application interacts with a hardware device of the processing system via a kernel proxy agent. The kernel proxy agent executes in a kernel mode of the OS.

Abstract: A method and system to switch between a Service virtual machine (VM) and a Guest VM in a virtual machine monitor (VMM) of a computer system. The VMM is loaded on the computer system to support a Service VM and a Guest VM. The Service OS is booted in the Service VM during the pre-boot phase. The Guest OS is booted in the Guest VM of the computer system. During OS runtime of the Guest OS, a VM switch is performed from the Guest VM to the Service VM without rebooting the computer system. The Service OS includes diagnostic tools to analyze the Guest OS. In one embodiment, the VM switch is performed by firmware of the computer system. In another embodiment, the VMM operates in accordance with an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) framework standard.

Abstract: A method and system for content pre-fetching during a processing system pre-boot runtime. First, it is determined when a processor of a processing system is in one of a busy wait state and an idle state during a pre-boot runtime of the processing system. Then, content is pre-fetched from a data storage unit of the processing system. The content is pre-fetched based upon a pre-fetch profile. The content is loaded into system memory of the processing system.

Abstract: A method and system to utilize platform-based optimization routines by a computer system. An application executing on the computer system initializes a user library bound to the application. The user library requests that an optimized library be copied into the user space of the computer system. The optimized library includes functions optimized for the hardware configuration of the computer system and is advertised by the firmware of the computer system. The entry points of the optimized functions are exported to the application, the optimized functions corresponding to non-optimized functions of the application. In one embodiment, the optimized library is validated before being copied into user space.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing network port authentication without requiring any operating system (OS) complicity are disclosed. Under one method, port authentication instructions are loaded into a protected memory space during a pre-boot of a supplicant system. In response to a port authentication request, the supplicant system's processor is switched to a hidden execution mode and executes the port authentication instructions to authenticate a network port hosted by an authenticator system to which the supplicant system is linked. One authentication process employs an authentication server that authenticates the supplicant via one of various authentication schemes, including an access challenge. Port authentication may also be performed via an out-of-band base management controller that operates independently from an operating system running on the supplicant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to protect a protocol interface are described herein. In an example method, a driver request is received during an operation phase of firmware in a processor system. The driver request may be identified as a request associated with a violating condition of the protocol interface. Accordingly, the driver request is rejected.

Abstract: A composition, useful as a sweet tableting agent in tablet formulations, comprises a compressible granule. The compressible granule is formed from fructose and a carrier for the fructose. The carrier is preferably an edible, substantially water insoluble inorganic salt. A preferred compressible granule has about 20 to about 55 wt. % fructose and a moisture content of less than about 2 wt. %.