Abstract: When information on a device such as a server, storage, and an FC switch constituting a SNA system is input, these devices are displayed and arranged properly on a screen (S1, S2). When information on a physical path is input by a designer by using this display screen, a virtual SAN system in which the devices are connected by a fiber channel is displayed on the screen (S3). Furthermore, when information on an access path is input by the designer by using the construction image, the access path is additionally displayed on the construction image of the virtual SAN system (S5). Since the construction image of the virtual SAN system is displayed on the screen, the designer can easily create a design drawing while visually checking the SAN system. This can reduce the work load and time required for construction of the SAN system.

Abstract: A reliability verification program that enables network administrators to verify the redundancy of a system that they operate. With reference to network configuration data describing physical connections of a network system, the program selects a source device and a destination device as a start point and an end point of access routes. A verification route is then determined by tracing the physical connections from the selected source device to the selected destination device. Based on the network configuration data, the program creates network configuration verification data by excluding data about devices and physical links involved in the determined verification route. This network configuration verification data is used to find a redundant route from the source device to the destination device. The presence of a redundant route corresponding to the verification route means that the network system has good redundancy in its physical connections.

Abstract: When information on a device such as a server, storage, and an FC switch constituting a SNA system is input, these devices are displayed and arranged properly on a screen (S1, S2). When information on a physical path is input by a designer by using this display screen, a virtual SAN system in which the devices are connected by a fiber channel is displayed on the screen (S3). Furthermore, when information on an access path is input by the designer by using the construction image, the access path is additionally displayed on the construction image of the virtual SAN system (S5). Since the construction image of the virtual SAN system is displayed on the screen, the designer can easily create a design drawing while visually checking the SAN system. This can reduce the work load and time required for construction of the SAN system.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the realization of a storage area network (SAN) system is provided. The assisting apparatus includes first and second information input means and plan generating means. The first information input means is provided for inputting device data of the servers, the storages and the fiber channel switches used for the SAN system. The second information input means is provided for inputting information about physical connection among the servers, the storages and the switches. The plan generating means is provided for generating, based on the information inputted through the two information input means, a plan of a virtual storage area network system. The generated plan is visually presented by a display.