Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing a redundant array of inexpensive disks (“RAID”) storage subsystem within a processor blade enclosure. A first RAID controller blade is included and configured to fit in a processor blade enclosure. At least one processor in communication with the first RAID controller blade is included. A disk enclosure blade is provided that includes a plurality of hard disk drives. The disk enclosure blade is configured to fit in the processor blade enclosure and the hard disk drives are in communication with the first RAID controller blade.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing a redundant array of inexpensive disks (“RAID”) storage subsystem within a processor blade enclosure. A first RAID controller blade is included and configured to fit in a processor blade enclosure. At least one processor in communication with the first RAID controller blade is included. A disk enclosure blade is provided that includes a plurality of hard disk drives. The disk enclosure blade is configured to fit in the processor blade enclosure and the hard disk drives are in communication with the first RAID controller blade.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing data snapshots among storage volumes to facilitate transitive, distributed snapshot operations such that a read request or write request can be made to any volume in a snapshot includes establishing respective snapshot tables for the volumes. Each table can correlate, for each chunk of data, a source volume and a target volume. In response to a read request for chunks in one the volumes, the respective snapshot table is accessed, and the read directed to the source volume indicated in the snapshot table. Likewise, in response to a write request for chunks in a storage volume, the table associated with the volume is accessed, and the write is directed to the target volume indicated in the table. For each chunk, the source volume is the same across all tables, such that a read or write involves no more than a single storage volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for more efficiently providing a copy of a portion of a source drive of a plurality of drives in a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) data storage system. The portion of the source drive includes a plurality of segments. The method and system include providing the copy of the plurality of segments from the source drive to the target drive. The plurality of segments can be modified during the step of providing the copy. The method and system further include providing another copy of a portion of the plurality of segments that have been modified since the step of providing the copy commenced if a portion of the plurality of segments have been modified since copying commenced.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a backup of a portion of a source drive of a plurality of drives in a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) data storage system is disclosed. The portion of the source includes a plurality of segments. The method and system include associating the source drive with a target drive of the plurality of drives and providing a copy of the plurality of segments on the target drive. The copy is provided such that input to and output from source drive and the target drive are allowed during the step of providing the copy of the plurality of segments.