Abstract: The present invention includes combining mass storage devices having different probable time to failures into a single data storage system, so that most of the mass storage devices don't crash or become inoperable at the same time, such as when the system is exposed to a most probable failure causing setting or circumstances for the mass storage devices. Embodiments also include using a tiered system of functional testing, to identify “premium” mass storage devices for use in a premium data storage system, as compared to “standard” devices. The premium mass storage devices may not include reworked devices or components, and may have to pass a more stringent functional test than a test for a “standard” device. Also contemplated is use of a data storage system or server having standard or premium mass storage devices, and/or groups of mass storage device with different probable time to failure.

Abstract: The present invention includes combining mass storage devices having different probable time to failures into a single data storage system, so that most of the mass storage devices don't crash or become inoperable at the same time, such as when the system is exposed to a most probable failure causing setting or circumstances for the mass storage devices. Embodiments also include using a tiered system of functional testing, to identify “premium” mass storage devices for use in a premium data storage system, as compared to “standard” devices. The premium mass storage devices may not include reworked devices or components, and may have to pass a more stringent functional test than a test for a “standard” device. Also contemplated is use of a data storage system or server having standard or premium mass storage devices, and/or groups of mass storage device with different probable time to failure.

Abstract: A system for automatically determining a margin for a transaction comprises at least one margin table in which is stored a plurality of deal factors that specify a requested deal and a margin value associated with the factors. A search engine operates to search the table for an entry that corresponds to a proposed transaction and to calculate a margin value therefrom. Each margin table is included in a margin tier, the tier being adapted to contain a plurality of margin tables. The tables are searched by the search engine in a predetermined order to find a margin for a proposed deal on a “first matched” basis. Additional tiers may be provided to adjust or override a margin value obtained from a preceding tier. Some embodiments of the invention permit a trader to specify a profit amount for a deal to be used as the basis for calculating a rate for a deal.

Abstract: A transaction system of a supplier includes a margin determination unit comprising margin table memory for storing a plurality of tables (such as financial exchange and money market margin tables), each table having rows for the table name, transaction type, client details or rating, transaction size, transaction currency, instrument type, time period(s), and margin type and amount. A selection module sequentially selects tables from memory and a comparison module compares quantities specified by successive rows of the selected table with corresponding quantities in a transaction request from a client/user. A calculation unit calculates a margin based on information in the table if all comparisons are good; otherwise the next table is selected. A table editor allows easy updating of the tables (adding new tables, and deleting, amending or re-arranging existing tables).