Abstract: A solution for validating a set of data protection solutions is provided. A validation scenario can be defined, which can include data corresponding to a set of attributes for the validation scenario. The attributes can include a time frame for the validation scenario. The validation scenario also can include a set of backup images to be validated, each of which is generated using one of the set of data protection solutions. The set of backup images can be identified using the time frame. A set of resource requirements for implementing the validation scenario can be determined based on the set of backup images and the set of attributes for the validation scenario.

Abstract: A computer identifies a plurality of data retrieval requests that may be serviced using a plurality of unique data chunks. The computer services the data retrieval requests by utilizing at least one of the unique data chunks. At least one of the unique data chunks is utilized for servicing two or more of the data retrieval requests. The computer determines a servicing sequence for the plurality of data retrieval requests such that the two or more of the data retrieval requests that are serviced utilizing the at least one of the unique data chunks are serviced consecutively. The computer services the plurality of data retrieval requests according to the servicing sequence.

Abstract: Software that performs the following steps: (i) running a first customer application on a first set of virtual machine(s), with the first customer application including a first plurality of independently migratable elements, including a first independently migratable element and a second independently migratable element; (ii) dynamically checking a status of the first set of virtual machine(s) to determine whether a first migration condition exists; and (iii) on condition that the first migration condition exists, migrating the first independently migratable element to a second set of virtual machine(s) without migrating the second independently migratable element to the second set of virtual machine(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for providing cluster-aware (storage) resource provisioning in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) based upon policies, best practices, and/or storage cluster/environment configurations. In a typical embodiment, a set of characteristics (e.g., computing resources/components, etc.) of a storage environment will be determined. A set of requirements for a set of workloads to be processed by the components of the storage environment will then be identified. A set of policies and a set of best practices will then be determined to identify a configuration of the storage environment to optimize the processing of the set of workloads according to the set of requirements. Based on the configuration, a plan will be generated that indicates a data path through the set of computing resources that minimizes a potential for error in processing the set of workloads.

Abstract: In a method for directing a computer network request to process through one or more components, a processor identifies a plurality of input/output (I/O) paths capable of serving a computer network request and a plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths. A processor predicts resource demands at each respective component of the plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths. A processor estimates expected delay times at each respective component of the plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths using predicted resource demands at each component. A processor determines an expected delay time for each path of the plurality of I/O paths based on the expected delay times at each respective component of the plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths.

Abstract: An approach for managing replicated data is presented. Metadata is received specifying inter-data correlation(s), inter-replica correlation(s), and data-replica correlation(s) among replicas generated for a system. A unified replication metadata model specifying the correlations is generated. Based on the inter-replica correlation(s), a proper subset of the replicas is selected. Based on the inter-replica and inter-data correlation(s), the selected proper subset of replicas is indexed to generate a unified content index. Based on a current usage of resources, an expected usage and an affinity score for performing an indexing task online or offline are determined. A query is received to locate a data item in at least one of the replicas. Based on the unified content index, the unified replication metadata model, and the query, candidate replica(s) and confidence score(s) indicating likelihood(s) that the candidate replica(s) include the data item are determined.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for networking-assisted I/O order preservation for data replication are provided herein. A method includes identifying, from one or more devices at a primary site, (i) each of multiple data changes and (ii) input/output chronological order information associated with the multiple data changes; determining one or more forwarding rules to be implemented in connection with delivering a command associated with each of said multiple data changes to one or more devices at a secondary site, wherein said forwarding rules are based on said input/output chronological order information; and delivering the command associated with each of said multiple data changes to one or more devices at the secondary site in accordance with said one or more forwarding rules to maintain a chronological order of the multiple data changes from the primary site to the secondary site.

Abstract: An approach for managing and optimizing available resources utilized in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) is provided. In one aspect, a plurality of resources in a plurality of storage pools within the networked computing environment are monitored. Each storage pool is running at least one application workload using a corresponding subset of the plurality of resources. The storage pools are ranked based on the application workloads. In response to an over-utilized storage pool and/or an under-utilized storage pool, the plurality of resources are dynamically reconfigured.

Abstract: An approach for managing replicated data is presented. Metadata is received specifying inter-data correlation(s), inter-replica correlation(s), and data-replica correlation(s) among replicas generated for a system. A unified replication metadata model specifying the correlations is generated. Based on the inter-replica correlation(s), a proper subset of the replicas is selected. Based on the inter-replica and inter-data correlation(s), the selected proper subset of replicas is indexed to generate a unified content index. A query is received to locate a data item in at least one of the replicas. Based on the unified content index, the unified replication metadata model, and the query, candidate replica(s) and confidence score(s) indicating likelihood(s) that the candidate replica(s) include the data item are determined. Based on temporal distance(s) and percent change(s) between first and second replica(s), confidence score(s) of the second replica(s) are determined.

Abstract: In a method for directing a computer network request to process through one or more components, a processor identifies a plurality of input/output (I/O) paths capable of serving a computer network request and a plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths. A processor predicts resource demands at each respective component of the plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths. A processor estimates expected delay times at each respective component of the plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths using predicted resource demands at each component. A processor determines an expected delay time for each path of the plurality of I/O paths based on the expected delay times at each respective component of the plurality of components along each path of the plurality of I/O paths.

Abstract: A method includes analyzing, by a computer device, data associated with tickets generated in a managed environment. The method also includes generating, by the computer device, a suggested rule change based on the analyzing. The method further includes receiving, by the computer device, an acceptance or denial of the suggested rule change.

Abstract: A method and associated systems for backing up a target computer application that comprises identifying and backing up databases and other information repositories upon which the target application depends. The target application is identified and related to a backup requirement that specifies a minimum application-backup frequency. The application's “dependencies” are automatically identified from sources that include configuration files, where each dependency identifies one or more databases or other information repositories that store information upon which the application directly or indirectly depends. If any of these databases or repositories is associated with a backup frequency less than the application's minimum backup frequency, the database or repository is flagged. Each flagged entity's backup schedule is then revised so that the flagged entity's backup frequency is equal to or greater than the application's minimum backup frequency.

Abstract: A solution for validating a set of data protection solutions is provided. A validation scenario can be defined, which can include data corresponding to a set of attributes for the validation scenario. The attributes can include a time frame for the validation scenario. The validation scenario also can include a set of backup images to be validated, each of which is generated using one of the set of data protection solutions. The set of backup images can be identified using the time frame. A set of resource requirements for implementing the validation scenario can be determined based on the set of backup images and the set of attributes for the validation scenario.

Abstract: An approach for managing replicated data is presented. Metadata is received specifying inter-data correlation(s), inter-replica correlation(s), and data-replica correlation(s) among replicas generated for a system. A unified replication metadata model specifying the correlations is generated. Based on the inter-replica correlation(s), a proper subset of the replicas is selected. Based on the inter-replica and inter-data correlation(s), the selected proper subset of replicas is indexed to generate a unified content index. A query is received to locate a data item in at least one of the replicas. Based on the unified content index, the unified replication metadata model, and the query, candidate replica(s) and confidence score(s) indicating likelihood(s) that the candidate replica(s) include the data item are determined. Based on temporal distance(s) and percent change(s) between first and second replica(s), confidence score(s) of the second replica(s) are determined.

Abstract: A solution for validating a set of data protection solutions is provided. A validation scenario can be defined, which can include data corresponding to a set of attributes for the validation scenario. The attributes can include a time frame for the validation scenario. The validation scenario also can include a set of backup images to be validated, each of which is generated using one of the set of data protection solutions. The set of backup images can be identified using the time frame. A set of resource requirements for implementing the validation scenario can be determined based on the set of backup images and the set of attributes for the validation scenario.

Abstract: An approach for managing replicated data is presented. Metadata is received specifying inter-data correlation(s), inter-replica correlation(s), and data-replica correlation(s) among replicas generated for a system. A unified replication metadata model specifying the correlations is generated. Based on the inter-replica correlation(s), a proper subset of the replicas is selected. Based on the inter-replica and inter-data correlation(s), the selected proper subset of replicas is indexed to generate a unified content index. A query is received to locate a data item in at least one of the replicas. Based on the unified content index, the unified replication metadata model, and the query, candidate replica(s) and corresponding confidence score(s) are determined. The confidence score(s) indicate respective likelihood(s) that the candidate replica(s) include the data item.

Abstract: A computer identifies a plurality of data retrieval requests that may be serviced using a plurality of unique data chunks. The computer services the data retrieval requests by utilizing at least one of the unique data chunks. At least one of the unique data chunks is utilized for servicing two or more of the data retrieval requests. The computer determines a servicing sequence for the plurality of data retrieval requests such that the two or more of the data retrieval requests that are serviced utilizing the at least one of the unique data chunks are serviced consecutively. The computer services the plurality of data retrieval requests according to the servicing sequence.

Abstract: A computer identifies a plurality of data retrieval requests that may be serviced using a plurality of unique data chunks. The computer services the data retrieval requests by utilizing at least one of the unique data chunks. At least one of the unique data chunks can be utilized for servicing two or more of the data retrieval requests. The computer determines a servicing sequence for the plurality of data retrieval requests such that the two or more of the data retrieval requests that can be serviced utilizing the at least one of the unique data chunks are serviced consecutively. The computer services the plurality of data retrieval requests according to the servicing sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to testing a storage system point-in-time copy of data for consistency. An aspect of the invention includes receiving system and application event information from systems and applications associated with point-in-time copies of data. The system and application event information is associated with each of point-in-time copies of data. At least one point-in-time copy of data is selected for testing. The system and application event information is compared with inconsistency classes to determine tests for testing the point-in-time copy of data. The point-in-time copy of data is tested.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for providing cluster-aware (storage) resource provisioning in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) based upon policies, best practices, and/or storage cluster/environment configurations. In a typical embodiment, a set of characteristics (e.g., computing resources/components, etc.) of a storage environment will be determined. A set of requirements for a set of workloads to be processed by the components of the storage environment will then be identified. A set of policies and a set of best practices will then be determined to identify a configuration of the storage environment to optimize the processing of the set of workloads according to the set of requirements. Based on the configuration, a plan will be generated that indicates a data path through the set of computing resources that minimizes a potential for error in processing the set of workloads.