Abstract: A method for selectively storing data identified by a software application in higher performance media may include executing control programming for an operating system and a software application hosted by the operating system. The software application assigns a first importance level to a first portion of data and a second importance level to a second portion of data. A first portion of data having the first importance level assigned by the software application is stored in a first storage medium at the instruction of the operating system. A second portion of data having the second importance level assigned by the software application is stored in a second storage medium at the instruction of the operating system. The second storage medium has at least one performance, reliability, or security characteristic different from the first storage medium.

Abstract: A method for selectively storing data identified by a software application in higher performance media may include executing control programming for an operating system and a software application hosted by the operating system. The software application assigns a first importance level to a first portion of data and a second importance level to a second portion of data. A first portion of data having the first importance level assigned by the software application is stored in a first storage medium at the instruction of the operating system. A second portion of data having the second importance level assigned by the software application is stored in a second storage medium at the instruction of the operating system. The second storage medium has at least one performance, reliability, or security characteristic different from the first storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an architecture for promoting improved cloud computing. The architecture includes a plurality of diskless server nodes. The architecture further includes a plurality of Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) switches, the plurality of SAS switches being connected to the plurality of diskless server nodes. The architecture further includes a storage system, the storage system configured for being communicatively coupled to the plurality of servers via the plurality of SAS switches. Further, the storage system is configured for implementing Controlled Replication Under Scalable Hashing (CRUSH) redundancy. Still further, the architecture is configured for dynamically mapping data stores of the storage system to the diskless server nodes.

Abstract: A system and method for removing one volume of a redundant data storage system, keeping a delta log of subsequent changes to the remaining volumes of the redundant data storage system, replacing the volume, and rebuilding the volume by using the delta log is disclosed. The system and method are applicable to redundant data storage systems such as RAID systems and mirrored backup systems including remote mirrored systems.

Abstract: An array of disk drives may be mounted onto a backplane that may slide as a single unit into an enclosure, such as a rack mounted enclosure. The backplane may allow the disk drives to be arranged in multiple columns and rows such that the disk drives are generally parallel to each other. Such an arrangement affords excellent airflow around the disk drives and greatly simplifies servicing of the disk array.

Abstract: Two sets of disk drives are mounted in a grid arrangement onto a backplane to form a removable multi-disk drive unit for a high capacity disk storage system. The removable units may be mounted into an enclosure that contains a RAID controller. The disk drives are mounted such that the longest edge of the disk drive is perpendicular to the plane of the backplane.

Abstract: A network has a finite number of addressable devices plus an additional number of spare devices. A system and method is provided for switching out a failed device and switching in a spare device. A controller is connected to a switch for each device, allowing the controller to connect the device to the network. When a device is switched off the network and a new device connected thereto, the newly connected device is able to arbitrate for the address previously allocated to the removed device. In such a manner, an unlimited number of spare devices may be provided for a network with only a finite number of addressable devices.

Abstract: An array of disk drives may be mounted onto a backplane that may slide as a single unit into an enclosure, such as a rack mounted enclosure. The backplane may allow the disk drives to be arranged in multiple columns and rows such that the disk drives are generally parallel to each other. Such an arrangement affords excellent airflow around the disk drives and greatly simplifies servicing of the disk array.

Abstract: A system and method for removing one volume of a redundant data storage system, keeping a delta log of subsequent changes to the remaining volumes of the redundant data storage system, replacing the volume, and rebuilding the volume by using the delta log is disclosed. The system and method are applicable to redundant data storage systems such as RAID systems and mirrored backup systems including remote mirrored systems.

Abstract: Two sets of disk drives are mounted in a grid arrangement onto a backplane to form a removable multi-disk drive unit for a high capacity disk storage system. The removable units may be mounted into an enclosure that contains a RAID controller. The disk drives are mounted such that the longest edge of the disk drive is perpendicular to the plane of the backplane.