Abstract: Embodiments for a method of backing up virtual hard disks by: parsing a list of base parent and differencing disks to identify disk parameters and child disks of immediate parent disks; creating a differencing disk chain in reverse time order of modification of the base parent disk starting from the base parent disk to a latest child differencing disk; identifying changed sectors in each child disk starting from the latest child differencing disk; creating a list detailing a respective differencing disk, sector offsets and logical data sector index for each changed sector; iteratively adding updated sectors to the list for latest changed sectors that were not previously added to the list by a later child disk by reading the changed sectors from their respective child disk; and merging, in a single step, the changed sectors read from their respective child disks into the base parent disk.

Abstract: A unified backup workflow process for different hypervisor configurations of virtual machines on different storage of a cluster leverages RCT-based backup functionality so that backup operations can be performed by a single host of the cluster. The process enables backing up together virtual machines that are local, as well as part of CSV or SMB storage using virtual machine level snapshots as checkpoints rather than volume level snapshots that were traditionally used. Backup data is sent to a backup server as a data stream rather than a file, which avoids the necessity of maintaining chains or structures that identify parent-child disks on the server.

Abstract: A unified backup workflow process for different hypervisor configurations of virtual machines on different storage of a cluster leverages RCT-based backup functionality so that backup operations can be performed by a single host of the cluster. The process enables backing up together virtual machines that are local, as well as part of CSV or SMB storage using virtual machine level snapshots as checkpoints rather than volume level snapshots that were traditionally used. Backup data is sent to a backup server as a data stream rather than a file, which avoids the necessity of maintaining chains or structures that identify parent-child disks on the server.

Abstract: A source identification service is described that identifies sources for items of interest that are provided by a network-based service and may benefit from additional sources. The source identification service may identify sources for an item of interest in response to receipt a request. In one aspect, the source identification service may conduct a search of a network-based information resource using keywords pertaining to the item of interest to obtain a listing of sources capable of providing the item of interest. A source score may be generated for respective sources and compared to a selected value to identify potential sources for further consideration. The potential sources may also be filtered based upon selected criteria to refine the list of potential sources. An offer may be provided by the source identification service inviting the source to provide the item of interest on the network-based service.

Abstract: A source identification service is described that identifies sources for items of interest that are provided by a network-based service and may benefit from additional sources. The source identification service may identify sources for an item of interest in response to receipt a request. In one aspect, the source identification service may conduct a search of a network-based information resource using keywords pertaining to the item of interest to obtain a listing of sources capable of providing the item of interest. A source score may be generated for respective sources and compared to a selected value to identify potential sources for further consideration. The potential sources may also be filtered based upon selected criteria to refine the list of potential sources. An offer may be provided by the source identification service inviting the source to provide the item of interest on the network-based service.

Abstract: A source identification service is described that identifies items offered for sale on a network-based service in need of additional sources. The source identification service may identify an item in need of sources based upon user requests to the network-based service for information regarding the item. The network-based service may present users with search results including information regarding items provided by the network-based service in response to the request. Users may further select an item from the search results and receive detailed information from the network-based service regarding the item. The source identification service may determine the popularity of the selected item from the item search results and/or analyze the item search results to identify whether the item is in need of additional sources. Relatively popular items and/or items for which relatively few search results are returned may be identified as in need of additional sources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.

Abstract: Improved process for the preparation of amorphous atorvastatin calcium salt (2:1) comprises hydrolyzing the lactone form of atorvastatin of formula of FIG. 1 with aqueous alkali or alkaline earth metal base, extracting with organic solvent the reaction mixture and adding the same to an anti-solvent to precipitate the product and finally filtering the product to afford amorphous atorvastatin calcium (2:1). The process also comprises the preparation of amorphous atorvastatin calcium salt (2:1) from its crystalline form.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation.