Abstract: A system and method for cost-based migration planning includes determining cost factors and constraints associated with at least one of migrating and transforming a plurality of components. A cost-based model is constructed using the cost factors and constraints. The cost-based model is applied to groupings of the plurality of components to provide a cost-based determination grouping scheme in accordance with the constraints. The grouping scheme is output to provide migration waves for migrating or transforming the plurality of components.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating compatibility of a cloud of computers to perform one or more workload tasks. One or more computing solution aspects are determined that corresponding to one or more sets of workload factors, where the workload factors characterize one or more workloads, to characterize one or more computing solutions. The workload factors are compared to the computing solution aspects in a rule-based system to exclude computing solutions that cannot satisfy the workload factors. A computing solution is selected that has aspects that accommodate all of the workload factors to find a solution that accommodates the one or more individual workloads.

Abstract: A system and method for cost-based migration planning includes determining cost factors and constraints associated with at least one of migrating and transforming a plurality of components. A cost-based model is constructed using the cost factors and constraints. The cost-based model is applied to groupings of the plurality of components to provide a cost-based determination grouping scheme in accordance with the constraints. The grouping scheme is output to provide migration waves for migrating or transforming the plurality of components.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating compatibility of a cloud of computers to perform one or more workload tasks. One or more computing solution aspects are determined that corresponding to one or more sets of workload factors, where the workload factors characterize one or more workloads, to characterize one or more computing solutions. The workload factors are compared to the computing solution aspects in a rule-based system to exclude computing solutions that cannot satisfy the workload factors. A computing solution is selected that has aspects that accommodate all of the workload factors to find a solution that accommodates the one or more individual workloads.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating compatibility of a cloud of computers to perform one or more workload tasks. One or more computing solution aspects are determined that corresponding to one or more sets of workload factors, where the workload factors characterize one or more workloads, to characterize one or more computing solutions. The workload factors are compared to the computing solution aspects in a rule-based system to exclude computing solutions that cannot satisfy the workload factors. A computing solution is selected that has aspects that accommodate all of the workload factors to find a solution that accommodates the one or more individual workloads.

Abstract: A system and method for cost-based migration planning includes determining cost factors and constraints associated with at least one of migrating and transforming a plurality of components. A cost-based model is constructed using the cost factors and constraints. The cost-based model is applied to groupings of the plurality of components to provide a cost-based determination grouping scheme in accordance with the constraints. The grouping scheme is output to provide migration waves for migrating or transforming the plurality of components.

Abstract: A method for validating that a networked system of modules conforms to at least one interoperability rule pertinent to interoperability of at least two of the modules includes the steps of obtaining the at least one interoperability rule, the at least one rule being encoded in computer-operable format; obtaining configuration information pertinent to at least one of the modules, the configuration information being encoded in computer-operable format; and comparing the at least one interoperability rule to the configuration information to validate whether the system conforms to the at least one interoperability rule

Abstract: A method for validating that a networked system of modules conforms to at least one interoperability rule pertinent to interoperability of at least two of the modules includes the steps of obtaining the at least one interoperability rule, the at least one rule being encoded in computer-operable format; obtaining configuration information pertinent to at least one of the modules, the configuration information being encoded in computer-operable format; and comparing the at least one interoperability rule to the configuration information to validate whether the system conforms to the at least one interoperability rule

Abstract: Provided are data structures for use in storing data. A plurality of data structures are defined in a computer readable medium, wherein each data structure indicates a plurality of attributes and at least one function of a storage resource to store data. Policies are defined in the computer readable medium that associate data characteristics to data structures based on a correspondence of data characteristics and the attributes defined in the data structures, wherein each defined data structure is adapted to provide requirements to determine a storage resource to store associated data, and wherein the defined data structure is adapted to provide the storage resource with requirements for storing the data.

Abstract: Provided are data structures for use in storing data. A plurality of data structures are defined in a computer readable medium, wherein each data structure indicates a plurality of attributes and at least one function of a storage resource to store data. Policies are defined in the computer readable medium that associate data characteristics to data structures based on a correspondence of data characteristics and the attributes defined in the data structures, wherein each defined data structure is adapted to provide requirements to determine a storage resource to store associated data, and wherein the defined data structure is adapted to provide the storage resource with requirements for storing the data.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for performance and policy analysis in distributed computing systems includes representing a distributed computing system as a state transition model. A queuing network is then superimposed upon the state transition model, and the effects of one or more policies on the distributed computing system performance are identified in accordance with a solution to the queuing network.

Abstract: A multi-plan generation system generates a multi-plan for a multi-layer storage area network. The system generates a predetermined number of plans while generating and retaining globally optimum plans. The system dynamically calculates and orders these plans according to optimization criteria and user requirements. The system comprises a planner for each of the layers in a storage area network such as a host planner, a storage planner, a network planner, a zone planner, etc. Each of the planners applies a variance optimization, a preview optimization, and a detail optimization and interacts with a policy repository to obtain policy guidance, enabling the system to prune the set of plans. A control module invokes the planners in a predetermined order.

Abstract: Techniques for selectively off-loading workload across multiple data centers are disclosed. For example, a technique for processing a user request in accordance with a multiple data center environment comprises the following steps/operations. A user request is obtained at a first data center. The user request is classified based on one or more classification criterion. At least a portion of a workload associated with the classified user request is off-loaded to at least a second data center to be processed, wherein the off-loading step/operation is at least based on one or more administrative policies associated with at least one of the first data center and the second data center. The workload is processed such that the user request is at least substantially satisfied in accordance with a service level agreement for the requesting user.

Abstract: There is provided, in a computer processing system, an apparatus for managing object data. The apparatus includes a changed objects manager for creating and managing a changed objects list that at least identifies the objects that have changed based on time of change. The changed objects list is associated with a plurality of time buckets. Each of the plurality of time buckets is associated with a respective date and time period and with object change records for objects having a timestamp falling within the respective date and time period. Each of the object change records is associated with a unique object identifier and the timestamp for a corresponding one of the objects. The timestamp specifies a date and a time corresponding to a latest one of a creation time or a most recent update time for the corresponding one of the objects.

Abstract: In an exemplary aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for lifecycle management for file systems. The method comprises the following steps. At least one storage container adapted to support a file system is allocated. The at least one storage container and the file system are associated with a service class. The file system is created in the storage container. The service class is used during lifecycle actions performed on the file system. Lifecycle actions may comprise, e.g., creating, extending, replicating, moving, or migrating a file system. The service class for the file system may also be maintained for a lifecycle of the file system.

Abstract: A policy for a computer system is transformed into a plurality of sub-policies, at least one synchronization step, and a final action. The sub-policies are distributed to corresponding sub-components in the computer system. The sub-policies are evaluated, wherein each sub-component evaluates its corresponding one or more sub-policies as other sub-components evaluate their corresponding one or more sub-policies. The sub-policies are synchronized by using the at least one synchronization step. The final action is performed in response to synchronizing the sub-policies. The computer system can be singular or distributed.

Abstract: Data life cycle policies are developed by classifying data into data classes based upon predetermined data attributes. States are then specified in which the data classes may reside. Components are defined that support one or more of the states. Transfer agents support transferring data from one component to another component. A state transition diagram is prepared for each data class, including one or more conditions that are necessary for each transition between states. An algorithm is applied to the state transition diagram which generates policies that generate life cycle actions if the data or file belongs to the class, the present state of the data or file, and if the conditions for the transitions between the states for each data class have been met. The algorithm provides a method and system for developing data life cycle policies.

Abstract: Described is a method, a system, a computer program product and a service implemented at least partially through a data communications network to dynamically change the effect of an enforcement of a policy in a policy-managed system. The method, system, computer program product and service enabling the user to identify at least one policy as a dynamic policy and to specify at least one part of a policy statement of the dynamic policy to have a value that can be varied while the policy is active.

Abstract: In one aspect this invention provides a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium that is executed by at least one data processor of a policy management system. The computer program includes first computer program instructions for implementing a user interface and second computer program instructions for implementing a policy manager that is coupled to the user interface via a policy repository for introducing a new attribute, using the first computer program instructions, into a policy for a policy-managed system, without requiring a change to (e.g., without having to re-write or re-compile) the second computer program instructions.

Abstract: A system and method for a downladable just-in-time middleware called VEM that provides access to network services, including system services such as printing and local storage, to applications that run on Network Computers. The VEM configures the default client services and stores information about these services. When an application executing on the Network Computer wishes to use one of the services, it communicates with its local VEM. The VEM returns a hanlde to the appropriate service to complete the service request.