Abstract: A method for coordinating management of operation risks in a distributed storage network (DSN) that includes multiple distributed computing systems including DSN memories begins with a global coordinating unit receiving messages including metadata from managing units associated with the multiple distributed computing systems. The method continues with the global coordinating unit determining, based on the metadata, that storage units in one or more of the distributed computing systems are executing or planning to execute an operation that could result in data loss or data outage. The method continues with the global coordinating unit transmitting an alert, including a command to halt the operation at the affected distributed computing systems.

Abstract: A method for a dispersed storage network (DSN), the method begins by creating a plurality of DSN storage sites including a subset of a plurality of DSN storage units, retrieving current site configuration for each of the plurality of DSN storage units and electing a local master management unit for each of the DSN storage sites. The method continues by maintaining aggregated views of each the DSN storage sites via each of the local master management units, collecting, via the local master management unit, local state information from the subset of a plurality of DSN storage units, calculating, via the local master management unit, tabulated state information and distributing the tabulated state information across all storage units within the DSN storage site, thus reaching consistency. The method includes updating the DSN management unit with the tabulated state information.

Abstract: A method for coordinating the aggregation of management information in a distributed storage network begins with a processing module in a designated storage unit/storage node receiving management information from other storage units/nodes at a first storage site and generating aggregated management information for management information received from the storage units. The method continues with the processing module transmitting the aggregated management information to a processing module associated with a second designated storage unit that is at another storage site or is associated with another set of storage units within the first storage site.

Abstract: A multi-system dispersed storage network (DSN) comprises a first DSN system that includes a first plurality of storage units, a first plurality of dispersed storage (DS) processing units and a first set of management units and a second DSN system that includes a second plurality of storage units, a second plurality of DS processing units and a second set of management units. The first set of management units manages a first set of configuration data of the first DSN system. A first management unit of the second set of management units, when, in a first mode, manages at least a first configuration data of the first set of configuration data, in a second mode, manages at least a first configuration data of the second set of configuration data, and in a third mode, manages at least the first configuration data of the first and second sets of configuration data.

Abstract: A computing device includes an interface configured to interface and communicate with a communication system, a memory that stores operational instructions, and processing circuitry operably coupled to the interface and to the memory that is configured to execute the operational instructions to perform various operations. The computing device monitors a current state of a distributed storage and task processing network (DSTN) management unit by periodically collecting metadata that is compared to a previously recognized similar state. The computing device facilitates returning a resolution to the DSTN management unit to modify the current state using corrective actions and the DSTN management unit is configured to automatically execute the resolution or to record the resolution. Recorded resolutions are later passed to operators assigned to the DSN.

Abstract: A distributed storage network (DSN) processes storage unit maintenance tasks on multiple tiers within the DSN. A master storage unit coordinates pending maintenance tasks when a DSN management unit, originally processing the pending maintenance tasks, changes its status to offline. The method includes the master storage unit aggregating pending maintenance tasks from corresponding DSN storage units into an ordered list of maintenance tasks, facilitating, based on the ordered list of maintenance tasks, coordination of a next maintenance task with a corresponding storage unit and directing execution of the next maintenance task by the corresponding storage unit.

Abstract: A method begins by obtaining dispersed storage network (DSN) operational issue information concerning a DSN memory issue in a first locally operated DSN memory of a plurality of locally operated DSN memories. The method continues with determining whether the DSN memory issue is regarding a local DSN issue or a global DSN issue. When the DSN memory issue is the global DSN issue, the method continues with determining a corrective action in response to the DSN memory issue and determining whether the global DSN management unit is configured for automatic correction of the DSN memory issue. When the global DSN management unit is configured for automatic correction of the DSN memory issue in the first locally operated DSN memory of the plurality of locally operated DSN memories, the method continues with executing the corrective action in the first locally operated DSN memory.

Abstract: A method includes generating an entry for inclusion in a configuration queue regarding a configuration submission regarding DSN managed by a managing unit that uses a manager's configuration database stored in a first database. The method further includes updating a first version of the configuration queue stored in first database and a second version of the configuration queue stored in a manager's vault to include the entry. When the manager's configuration database requires restoring, the method further includes copying a backup version of the manager's configuration database to the first database to create an initially restored manager's configuration database and establishing an association between the managing unit and the initially restored manager's configuration database.

Abstract: A method for execution by dispersed storage network (DSN) monitoring unit that includes a processor includes receiving configuration parameters via an interface of the DSN monitoring unit. A configuration update request is generated for transmission to a plurality of managing units based on the configuration parameters. Collected storage unit data is received from each of the plurality of managing units. Aggregated storage statistics are generated based on the collected storage unit data received from each of the plurality of managing units.

Abstract: A method for execution by dispersed storage network (DSN) monitoring unit that includes a processor includes receiving configuration parameters via an interface of the DSN monitoring unit. A configuration update request is generated for transmission to a plurality of managing units based on the configuration parameters. Collected storage unit data is received from each of the plurality of managing units. Aggregated storage statistics are generated based on the collected storage unit data received from each of the plurality of managing units.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for determining drive health. The method includes one or more processors aggregating health data information associated with one or more memory devices in a dispersed storage network, where aggregating the health data information includes determining trends of the health data information on the dispersed storage network. The method further includes one or more processors determining health status of the dispersed storage network, where the health status is a function of the aggregated health data information associated with memory devices of the dispersed storage network. The method further includes one or more processors determining an action to execute on the dispersed storage network based on the determined health status of the dispersed storage network, wherein the action includes altering activity of the one or more memory devices on the dispersed storage network.

Abstract: A method includes generating an entry for inclusion in a configuration queue regarding a configuration submission regarding DSN managed by a managing unit that uses a manager's configuration database stored in a first database. The method further includes updating a first version of the configuration queue stored in first database and a second version of the configuration queue stored in a manager's vault to include the entry. When the manager's configuration database requires restoring, the method further includes copying a backup version of the manager's configuration database to the first database to create an initially restored manager's configuration database and establishing an association between the managing unit and the initially restored manager's configuration database.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for determining drive health. The method includes one or more processors aggregating health data information associated with one or more memory devices in a dispersed storage network, where aggregating the health data information includes determining trends of the health data information on the dispersed storage network. The method further includes one or more processors determining health status of the dispersed storage network, where the health status is a function of the aggregated health data information associated with memory devices of the dispersed storage network. The method further includes one or more processors determining an action to execute on the dispersed storage network based on the determined health status of the dispersed storage network, wherein the action includes altering activity of the one or more memory devices on the dispersed storage network.

Abstract: A dispersed storage network (DSN) include multiple distributed computing systems, each including a DSN memory. A global scheduling module included in a coordination unit identifies a number of the distributed computing systems included in a subset of the distributed computing systems. For each distributed computing system included in the subset, the scheduling module selects a connection time based, at least in part, on the number of distributed computing systems operating in the subset. The connection time selected for a particular distributed computing system specifies a recurring time period to be used by that system for initiating connections with the global coordination unit. The scheduling module issues, to the distributed computing systems, scheduling messages that include information specifying a connection times for particular distributed computing systems.

Abstract: A dispersed storage network (DSN) include multiple distributed computing systems distributed across time zones, each including a DSN memory. A global scheduling module identifies a number of the distributed computing systems operating in each of the time zones. For each distributed computing system operating in a particular time zone, the scheduling module selects a connection time based, at least in part, on the number of distributed computing systems operating in the particular time zone. The connection time selected for a particular distributed computing system specifies a recurring time period to be used by that system for initiating connections with a global coordination unit. The global scheduling module issues, to the distributed computing systems, scheduling messages that include information specifying a connection times for particular distributed computing systems.

Abstract: A method for execution by dispersed storage network (DSN) monitoring unit that includes a processor includes receiving configuration parameters via an interface of the DSN monitoring unit. A configuration update request is generated for transmission to a plurality of managing units based on the configuration parameters. Collected storage unit data is received from each of the plurality of managing units. Aggregated storage statistics are generated based on the collected storage unit data received from each of the plurality of managing units.

Abstract: A distributed storage network (DSN) can include a DSN memory and a distributed storage (DS) managing unit in communication with the DSN memory. The DSN memory includes DS units physically located at different sites. The DS units store encoded data slices associated with a storage vault having a number of pillars and a read threshold. The number of pillars correspond to a number of encoded data slices generated from a particular segment of data, and the read threshold corresponds to subset of those encoded data slices required to reconstruct the particular segment of data. The DS managing unit assigns storage of particular encoded data slices to particular DS units based, at least in part, on a pillar associated with the encoded data slices and on the physical locations, e.g. the sites, at which the DS units are located.

Abstract: Methods for use in a dispersed storage network (DSN) to coordinate potentially harmful maintenance tasks performed on storage units of the DSN. For each type of maintenance task to be performed on the storage units, an ordered list (e.g., a queue) is generated. Each entry of an ordered list corresponds to a particular storage unit. For each ordered list, a first entry is examined to determine whether to initiate execution of the associated task(s). The determination includes identifying a storage unit associated with the first entry and predicting the impact of performing the task including, for example, the impact on a storage set(s) that includes the identified storage unit. When the predicted impact compares favorably to an impact threshold level, the task is initiated and the selected entry is deleted. When the comparison is unfavorable, the selected entry is moved to another location in the ordered list for postponed execution.

Abstract: A dispersed storage network (DSN) include multiple distributed computing systems distributed across time zones, each including a DSN memory. A global scheduling module identifies a number of the distributed computing systems operating in each of the time zones. For each distributed computing system operating in a particular time zone, the scheduling module selects a connection time based, at least in part, on the number of distributed computing systems operating in the particular time zone. The connection time selected for a particular distributed computing system specifies a recurring time period to be used by that system for initiating connections with a global coordination unit. The global scheduling module issues, to the distributed computing systems, scheduling messages that include information specifying a connection times for particular distributed computing systems.

Abstract: A distributed storage network (DSN) includes multiple distributed computing systems including DSN memories. The DSN memories include distributed storage and task processing network (DSTN) managing units. The DSTN managing units initiate connections with a coordination unit that is part of the DSN by periodically sending messages to the coordination unit. The coordination unit transmits a coordination message to each DSTN managing unit that initiates a connection. Each of the DSTN managing units processes the coordination message, in some cases assisting in completion of tasks indicated in the coordination message, and transmits a response to the coordination unit. The coordination unit makes the responses from the DSTN managing units available for use by other applications.