Abstract: A system for data migration between a compute cluster and disk drives by inclusion of a buffer node coupled to the compute cluster to store data received therefrom in a random fashion. The buffer node signals the computer nodes to promptly return from the I/O cycle to the computing state to improve the duty cycle of the device. The system further includes a storage controller which is coupled between the buffer node and the disk drives to schedule data transfer activity between them. The data transfers are actuated in the sequence determined based on minimization of seeking time and tier usage, and harvest priority, when the buffer node either reaches a predetermined storage space minimal level or a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous I/O cycle. The storage controller deactivates the disk drives which are not needed for the data transfer.

Abstract: A method for auto-correction of errors in an array of disk storage devices having a plurality of disk storage devices dedicated to storing parity data to provide fault tolerance for a loss of at least two of the plurality of disk storage devices. A read operation from the storage channels transfers data to a plurality of disk channel memories. The data in the disk channel memories is checked to confirm the data is valid. Responsive to detection of invalid data, the data may be tested to identify the disk storage channel in error, including sequentially excluding data read from a different one of the plurality of disk channel memories from a parity check and determining the validity of data from remaining disk channel memories. If valid data is obtained, the disk storage channel from which the data was excluded is identified as the disk storage channel in error.

Abstract: An improved duty cycle, increased effective bandwidth, and minimized power consumption are attained in a system for data migration between a compute cluster and disk drives by inclusion of a buffer node coupled to the compute cluster to store data received therefrom in a random fashion. The buffer node signals the computer nodes to promptly return from the I/O cycle to the computing state to improve the duty cycle of the device. The system further includes a storage controller which is coupled between the buffer node and the disk drives to schedule data transfer activity between them in an optimal orderly manner. The data transfers are actuated in the sequence determined based on minimization of seeking time and tier usage, and harvest priority, when the buffer node either reaches a predetermined storage space minimal level or a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous I/O cycle. The storage controller deactivates the disk drives which are not needed for the data transfer.

Abstract: A method for auto-correction of errors in an array of disk storage devices (210) having a plurality of disk storage devices (210I, 210J) dedicated to storing parity data to provide fault tolerance for a loss of at least two of the plurality of disk storage devices (210A-210J). A read operation from the storage channels (210A-210J) transfers data to a plurality of disk channel memories (220A-220J). The data in the disk channel memories (220A-220J) is checked to confirm the data is valid. Responsive to detection of invalid data, the data may be tested to identify the disk storage channel in error, including sequentially excluding data read from a different one of the plurality of disk channel memories (220A-220J) from a parity check and determining the validity of data from remaining disk channel memories. If valid data is obtained, the disk storage channel from which the data was excluded is identified as the disk storage channel in error.