Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for storing data in a physical storage having at least one portion of unused memory, comprising maintaining a first list comprising one or more records associated with respective segments within the unused memory, and receiving a request to store data in at least one logical storage sector associated with the physical storage. A record associated with a segment of the unused memory in which at least some of the data is to be stored is selected from the first list, and the record is updated to include an identifier of the at least one logical storage sector. The record is stored in a second list that associates respective segments with respective logical storage sectors.

Abstract: A method for processing requests or commands for writing and reading to and from memory that has not been allocated and reserved for one or more volumes, and a method for establishing one or more volumes, where the one or more volumes define an area of the memory that is accumulatively greater than the actual memory capacity, thus allowing for memory to be added at a later time.

Abstract: The invention includes a smart switch for facilitating the transfer of data between clients and storage devices wherein the switch has enhanced command response capabilities which allow the various levels of autonomous operation independent of a controlling server. Additionally, the controlling server is alleviated of the need to have all data transfers between the storage devices and the clients pass through the server.

Abstract: A method for protecting data on storage devices, called Logical UNit (LUN) intercept, intercepts commands and/or data sent by a computer to an original, attached storage device, analyzes the commands and/or data, and performs storage operations on a secondary storage device based on the intercepted commands and data. Examples of actions used to protect data are data mirroring and data replication. This method does not disrupt the data that are stored or will be stored on the original storage device. The intercepted storage commands are analyzed, and additional storage operations are performed either immediately or at a later time on the secondary data storage device. After analysis, the original storage commands are still sent to the original storage device for execution. A system for protecting data includes an interceptor to intercept the storage commands and data. The interceptor is inserted into the communication path between the computer and the original data storage device.

Abstract: A method for processing requests or commands for writing and reading to and from memory that has not been allocated and reserved for one or more volumes, and a method for establishing one or more volumes, where the one or more volumes define an area of the memory that is accumulatively greater than the actual memory capacity, thus allowing for memory to be added at a later time.