Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring data from a first storage system to a second storage system in which the first storage system includes a first plurality of storage devices and the second storage system includes a second plurality of storage devices. Data is transferred using a pair of devices selected for transferring data for all of the storage devices. Data to be transferred from source storage devices within the first plurality of storage devices is placed or queued on a selected primary storage device within the first plurality of storage devices. The data is sent to a selected secondary storage device within the plurality of storage devices. The data is relocated from the selected secondary storage device to target storage devices within the second plurality of storage devices.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring data from a primary storage system to a secondary storage system in which the primary storage system includes primary storage volumes and a primary bridge volume and the secondary storage system includes secondary storage volumes and a secondary bridge volume. A link between the primary bridge volume and the secondary bridge volume is established. The data to be transferred from a primary storage volume to a corresponding secondary storage volume is then copied onto the primary bridge volume by using pointers to the data of the primary storage volume (internal snapshot copy). Snapshot copied data is then transferred from the primary bridge volume to the secondary bridge volume over the link. The data is then moved from the secondary bridge volume to the secondary storage volume corresponding to the primary storage volume to put the primary storage volume and the corresponding secondary storage volume in synchronization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing the operability of a Peer to Peer Remote Copy (PPRC) data storage system in disaster situations. A PPRC data storage system includes a host processor, a primary storage subsystem and a secondary storage subsystem where the secondary storage subsystem is coupled to the primary storage subsystem for mirroring of data therebetween. A command is sent from the host processor directing the primary storage subsystem to simulate a disaster. Upon detection of the disaster, the host establishes direct communication with the secondary storage subsystem, and validates the integrity of the system by comparing data from the secondary storage subsystem to data from the primary storage subsystem.