Abstract: Host access to a system DS1 can be configured for a logical device L1 so that L1 is exposed to the host over path P1 from DS1. Prior to configuring host access to L1 on another system DS2, configuration information of DS1 can be updated to include a fully populated uniform host configuration for the host with respect to L1. The fully populated uniform host configuration can identify P1 as well as path P2 between DS2 and the host. Even though P2 may not be established so that L1 is not yet exposed to the host over P2, DS1 can use the information included in the fully populated uniform host configuration to report information to the host regarding path state information for P1 and P2. The host can directly query DS2 regarding P2 in order to determine current up-to-date information regarding the path state of P2 with respect to L1.

Abstract: Described are techniques for correcting at least some inconsistencies in a file system accessed by at least one client, while maintaining the file system online. A file system checking utility is executed on the file system to detect and create corrections for inconsistencies in the file system. The file system is updated to include at least some corrections. Also described is a computer system comprising a file system accessed by a client. A file system checking utility is executed on the file system to detect at least some inconsistencies in the file system, and to create a corrected version of the file system that includes corrections to correct for at least some of the detected inconsistencies. A report is created. The file system is not updated with the corrected version unless the proposed corrections are approved. The file system checking utility may be periodically scheduled for execution.