Abstract: A method and system of managing memory, the method including receiving a request for storage space in the memory system; obtaining a timestamp for a new Logical Unit Number (LUN); allocating a range of logical blocks to the new LUN in accordance with its requested size, the range of logical blocks including a starting logical block and a number of blocks; assigning the timestamp to the new LUN as the LUN creation timestamp; and saving the LUN creation timestamp with other metadata identifying the new LUN and the allocated logical blocks. Methods and system for deleting LUNs and using a deletion timestamp are disclosed as is a process to format a LUN.

Abstract: A method and system of managing memory, the method including receiving a request for storage space in the memory system; obtaining a timestamp for a new Logical Unit Number (LUN); allocating a range of logical blocks to the new LUN in accordance with its requested size, the range of logical blocks including a starting logical block and a number of blocks; assigning the timestamp to the new LUN as the LUN creation timestamp; and saving the LUN creation timestamp with other metadata identifying the new LUN and the allocated logical blocks. Methods and system for deleting LUNs and using a deletion timestamp are disclosed as is a process to format a LUN.

Abstract: A redundancy manager preferably in an I/O adapter has been disclosed to manage commands to peripheral devices in a computer system. These peripheral devices have multiple ports and may have a different bus associated with each port. The buses, referred to as independent pathways, moreover, need not have the same protocol. The redundancy manager determines the number of independent pathways connected to the peripheral device, presents only one logical device to the operating system and any device driver and any other command or device processing logic in the command path before the redundancy manager. For each incoming command, the redundancy manager determines which pathways are properly functioning and selects the best pathway for the command based on load balancing considerations and any ordering semantics that must be preserved in the incoming command and any outstanding commands and associated data that have not yet executed.

Abstract: A redundancy manager preferably in an I/O adapter has been disclosed to manage commands to peripheral devices in a computer system. These peripheral devices have multiple ports and may have a different bus associated with each port. The buses, referred to as independent pathways, moreover, need not have the same protocol. The redundancy manager determines the number of independent pathways connected to the peripheral device, presents only one logical device to the operating system and any device driver and any other command or device processing logic in the command path before the redundancy manager. For each incoming command, the redundancy manager determines which pathways are properly functioning and selects the best pathway for the command based on load balancing considerations and any ordering semantics that must be preserved in the incoming command and any outstanding commands and associated data that have not yet executed.