Abstract: Host aware storage tiering including receiving, by a storage controller on a storage server, a disconnect signal indicating an end of a first client session for a client, wherein the first client session comprises accesses to a plurality of data blocks on the storage server; determining, by the storage controller, that at least one data block of the plurality of data blocks was moved to a first tier storage during the first client session; storing, by the storage controller, an indication that the at least one data block was moved to the first tier storage; receiving a connect signal indicating a beginning of a second client session for the client; and moving, in response to the connect signal, the at least one data block into the first tier storage.

Abstract: Host aware storage tiering including receiving, by a storage controller on a storage server, a disconnect signal indicating an end of a first client session for a client, wherein the first client session comprises accesses to a plurality of data blocks on the storage server; determining, by the storage controller, that at least one data block of the plurality of data blocks was moved to a first tier storage during the first client session; storing, by the storage controller, an indication that the at least one data block was moved to the first tier storage; receiving a connect signal indicating a beginning of a second client session for the client; and moving, in response to the connect signal, the at least one data block into the first tier storage.

Abstract: For optimizing redundant high availability serial attached SCSI storage (SAS) topology by providing multiple paths to a same SAS target through a single SAS port on a base unit in a computing environment, the SAS port of a raid controller is attached to one of a multiplicity of just a bunch of disks (JBOD) expansion units having SAS expanders using an SAS cable for providing limited hardware footprint. Load balancing is provided between the base unit and each of the SAS expanders by converting the single SAS port into both dual and redundant paths using the SAS cable.

Abstract: For optimizing redundant high availability serial attached SCSI storage (SAS) topology by providing multiple paths to a same SAS target through a single SAS port on a base unit in a computing environment, the SAS port of a raid controller is attached to one of a multiplicity of just a bunch of disks (JBOD) expansion units having SAS expanders using an SAS cable for providing limited hardware footprint. Load balancing is provided between the base unit and each of the SAS expanders by converting the single SAS port into both dual and redundant paths using the SAS cable.

Abstract: A method and system utilizing backup disk drives in disk array systems. In one aspect, a disk array system includes one or more disk arrays, each including two or more disk drives. The system includes a spare disk drive, and a controller operative to assign the spare disk drive to a particular one of the disk arrays having a type different than the type of the spare disk drive in response to a failure of a disk drive of the particular disk array, such that the spare disk drive stores data from and operates in place of the failed disk drive.