Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes identifying, in a multi-component system, a first component with an unknown software version and/or unknown firmware version. A plurality of predetermined compatibility tests are implemented on the first component and results of the plurality of compatibility tests are recorded in a predetermined database of records shared amongst the multi-component system. A record associated with the first component indicates a compatibility of the unknown software version and/or unknown firmware version with the multi-component system. In response to a determination that the record indicates that the unknown software version and/or unknown firmware version is compatible with the multi-component system, data processing is performed between the first component and a second component.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes identifying, in a multi-component system, a first component with an unknown software version and/or unknown firmware version. A plurality of predetermined compatibility tests are implemented on the first component and results of the plurality of compatibility tests are recorded in a predetermined database of records shared amongst the multi-component system. A record associated with the first component indicates a compatibility of the unknown software version and/or unknown firmware version with the multi-component system. In response to a determination that the record indicates that the unknown software version and/or unknown firmware version is compatible with the multi-component system, data processing is performed between the first component and a second component.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a computer-implemented method for providing fast data access after a drive failure, a computer program product, and a RAID controller. One embodiment may comprise identifying a RAID array, the RAID array comprising a plurality of storage volumes, identifying an unused block of a provisioned volume in the RAID array, and copying a redundant copy of high value host writes to the unused block. The copying may comprise, for primary strips in the RAID array, creating one or more secondary strips mirroring the primary strips such that each of pair of primary-secondary strips reside on different storage volumes from each other.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a computer-implemented method for providing fast data access after a drive failure, a computer program product, and a RAID controller. One embodiment may comprise identifying a RAID array, the RAID array comprising a plurality of storage volumes, identifying an unused block of a provisioned volume in the RAID array, and copying a redundant copy of high value host writes to the unused block. The copying may comprise, for primary strips in the RAID array, creating one or more secondary strips mirroring the primary strips such that each of pair of primary-secondary strips reside on different storage volumes from each other.