Abstract: A storage area network (SAN), which includes one or more remote systems, a plurality of storage devices, a SAN fabric comprising a plurality of fabric components for coupling the remote systems to the storage devices, and a central system having a SAN management server configured to monitor an amount of available storage in a file system used in the remote systems, and automatically provision additional storage to the file system in the event the amount of available storage in the file system decreases below a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the context of messages based on a selected rule set are provided. The method comprises selecting a rule set from the database, scanning the message while comparing content of a textual message to the rule set, and determining textual modifications to the textual message based on the selected rule set to define a modified message having content that is different from the textual message.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for providing service-level monitoring for applications in SANs. Embodiments may identify what applications are running on which hosts in a SAN, automatically identify which paths the applications use through the storage infrastructure to reach their storage, and may monitor SAN components of the paths. One embodiment may provide a task group monitor that monitors groups of SAN components and reports problems detected on group members at the application level. Embodiments may proactively monitor SAN infrastructure including the hardware and/or software components of storage, hosts, fabric, etc. needed for scheduled application tasks such as backup tasks and may alert the operator when problems are detected. Thus, embodiments correlate detected infrastructure problems directly to the applications that are affected, allowing these problems to be addressed at the application level, and prior to scheduled execution of tasks.

Abstract: System and method for providing a common data model for SAN discovery and/or SAN monitoring information collected from heterogeneous SAN components. In one embodiment, a SAN management server may execute on a host computer and may translate data in one or more vendor-specific languages obtained from a heterogeneous vendor population into canonical data in a uniform language. In one embodiment, the SAN management server may execute a set of rules to convert heterogeneous SAN data obtained from heterogeneous interfaces into canonical data conforming to the common data model. In one embodiment, the canonical data may be stored in a persistent store, which may be queried for information that may be provided to the requester in the canonical form of the common data model.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for rule-based proactive storage path optimization for SANs. Embodiments may evaluate paths between an application and its storage on a SAN based on current and/or historical path quality of service. Performance of alternative paths may be monitored to determine if a better path than a path currently in use is available. If a better path is determined, then the path may be switched to the better path. In one embodiment, one or more zones may be reconfigured to migrate to a different path. Path migration may be performed automatically without user intervention. Alternatively, a user may be given the option to manually migrate to a new path. Embodiments may proactively change paths between an application and its storage before path performance becomes a problem. Embodiments may be integrated with a SAN management system or, alternatively, may be standalone mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing one or more logical relationships between a plurality of devices in a storage area network (SAN). The method includes receiving a first identifier associated with a first SAN device, determining the logical relationships associated with the first SAN device, receiving a second identifier associated with a second SAN device, and associating the second identifier to the logical relationships associated with the first SAN device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing one or more logical relationships between a plurality of devices in a storage area network (SAN). The method includes receiving a first identifier associated with a first SAN device, determining the logical relationships associated with the first SAN device, receiving a second identifier associated with a second SAN device, and associating the second identifier to the logical relationships associated with the first SAN device.