Abstract: Methods, computer program products, computer systems, and the like for improved performance, when backing up objects, are disclosed, which can include assigning a top-level entity to a backup host of a number of backup hosts and performing a backup operation on a number of objects. The objects are associated with the top-level entity. The backup operation is performed by the backup host. The backup operation includes determining whether one of the objects includes at least one new data segment or at least one modified data segment, and, in response to a determination that the object includes at least one new data segment or at least one modified data segment, writing information regarding the at least one new data segment or at least one modified data segment in a tracklog dedicated to the top-level entity.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques that provide for eventually-complete backups, and restoration thereof. For example, such methods, computer program products, and computer systems can include initiating a backup operation (where the backup operation is configured back up a dataset), detecting termination of the backup operation, detecting termination of the backup operation, and determining whether the backup operation backed up the dataset completely. In response to a determination that the backup operation did not backup the dataset completely, generating an indication that the backup is not complete. In response to a determination that the backup operation did not backup the dataset completely, generating an indication that the backup is complete.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques that provide for eventually-complete backups, and restoration thereof. For example, such methods, computer program products, and computer systems can include initiating a backup operation (where the backup operation is configured back up a dataset), detecting termination of the backup operation, detecting termination of the backup operation, and determining whether the backup operation backed up the dataset completely. In response to a determination that the backup operation did not backup the dataset completely, generating an indication that the backup is not complete. In response to a determination that the backup operation did not backup the dataset completely, generating an indication that the backup is complete.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and processes for optimizing access to production data in application development and testing environments are disclosed. If an input/output (I/O) operation is a read operation, a storage location on a virtual storage unit at which the read operation is to be performed is determined. Also determined is whether an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location. If an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on one or more virtual data files. However, if the earlier write operation was not performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on allocated storage space.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and processes for optimizing access to production data in application development and testing environments are disclosed. If an input/output (I/O) operation is a read operation, a storage location on a virtual storage unit at which the read operation is to be performed is determined. Also determined is whether an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location. If an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on one or more virtual data files. However, if the earlier write operation was not performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on allocated storage space.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and processes for optimizing access to production data in application development and testing environments are disclosed. If an input/output (I/O) operation is a read operation, a storage location on a virtual storage unit at which the read operation is to be performed is determined. Also determined is whether an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location. If an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on one or more virtual data files. However, if the earlier write operation was not performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on allocated storage space.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and processes for optimizing access to production data in application development and testing environments are disclosed. If an input/output (I/O) operation is a read operation, a storage location on a virtual storage unit at which the read operation is to be performed is determined. Also determined is whether an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location. If an earlier write operation was performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on one or more virtual data files. However, if the earlier write operation was not performed at the storage location, the read operation is performed on allocated storage space.

Abstract: A computer system or memory medium with instructions executable by a computer system to detect and/or suggest corrective actions when performance and availability are violated in an environment deploying virtualization at multiple levels. In one embodiment the computer system receives identities of a plurality of first physical storage devices, wherein storage in the plurality of first physical storage devices was logically aggregated to create a first storage object. The computer system also receives identities of a plurality of second physical storage devices, wherein storage in the plurality of second physical storage devices was logically aggregated to create a second storage object. Then, the computer system compares the identity of each of the plurality of first physical storage devices with the identities of the plurality of second physical storage devices.

Abstract: A computer system or memory medium with instructions executable by a computer system to detect and/or suggest corrective actions when performance and availability are violated in an environment deploying virtualization at multiple levels. In one embodiment the computer system receives identities of a plurality of first physical storage devices, wherein storage in the plurality of first physical storage devices was logically aggregated to create a first storage object. The computer system also receives identities of a plurality of second physical storage devices, wherein storage in the plurality of second physical storage devices was logically aggregated to create a second storage object. Then, the computer system compares the identity of each of the plurality of first physical storage devices with the identities of the plurality of second physical storage devices.

Abstract: A method, system, computer system, and computer program product to allocate storage resources among multiple logical volumes. In response to a request to perform a set of operations on multiple logical volumes, a set of allocations of available storage space for performing the set of operations is made. At the time of identifying the storage regions to use for each allocation, the remaining operations and the storage regions that would be available for performing the remaining operations are examined. The rules for implementing each of the logical volumes can be evaluated as part of this examination. If it is apparent that one of the remaining operations will fail based upon a particular set of allocations, space allocated for a previous operation can be de-allocated and alternative allocations can be examined to find a set of allocations that enable the request to be performed successfully.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and maintaining information for the operation of a client, locally to the client. This information is updated (or, initially, retrieved) as necessary and appropriate, by accessing corresponding information stored locally to a server.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for identifying and reserving suitable replacement storage devices for use when a storage device underlying a logical volume fails or when the size of the volume is to be increased. Replacement devices are reserved if they conform to the intent of a creator of the logical volume and at the time of creation or reconfiguration of the logical volume. Volume management operations like resizing the volume and evacuating data from the volume use the reserved disks that have already been allocated as suitable to preserve the intent of the creator of the logical volume. Reserving replacement disks in advance ensures that a backup disk is available and eliminates the need to perform a lengthy, time-consuming search for a suitable replacement disk that conforms to the intent of the logical volume.

Abstract: A method, system, computer system, and computer program product to specify the particular characteristics of hardware to acquire to enable a logical volume to be maintained in accordance with the purpose for which the logical volume was created. In response to a command to perform an operation on a logical volume, existing storage that can be used to perform the operation is identified. If the existing storage is insufficient to perform the operation, a specification is developed for the additional storage to acquire to enable the operation to be performed successfully. Connectivity of the additional storage is also specified to storage objects in the existing logical volume so that the newly-acquired resources can be used for their intended purpose when acquired.

Abstract: A method, system, and language to express storage requirements. The language provides keywords and rules corresponding to commands for configuring a set of storage devices to provide requested capabilities of a logical volume. The language also has keywords and constructs for defining capabilities. The language supports direct inheritance of a capability, where a template specifies another template that contains rules to be used to provide a given capability. The language also supports indirect inheritance of a capability, where a template requires a capability but does not provide an implementation of the capability. In addition, the language is processed to “merge” rules by selecting a single storage device that conforms to more than one rule when possible. Merging rules enables a minimum number of storage devices to be used to meet a given logical volume configuration and set of capabilities.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for adaptively implementing capabilities of a logical volume. If a particular capability is an inherent attribute of an existing storage device, the existing storage device is chosen to implement the volume. If the particular capability is not an inherent attribute of an existing storage device, one or more storage devices are selected and configured to provide the capability. If a capacity is requested for the logical volume and a storage device provides only a portion of the capacity, multiple storage devices having the capability are combined to provide the requested capability and capacity.

Abstract: A method, system, language, and computer program product to enable a user to provide a high-level specification of storage requirements without having detailed knowledge of the underlying vendor-specific APIs and command line utilities for each possible storage device used to meet the storage requirements. The user does not specify how to implement the storage requirements. The system implements the high-level specification in hardware and/or software without further direction from the user.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product to enable a user to specify an intended use for a logical volume. The logical volume is configured using an application-specific template (also referred to as a user template) for an application, where the application-specific template satisfies the intended use. Rules from the application-specific template are stored with the logical volume in addition to or as part of the intent.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for preserving the intent of a logical volume creator with the logical volume. The creator of a logical volume defines certain characteristics of that logical volume. In response to the user's requirements, the system explores the possibilities for providing the characteristics in the existing storage environment. The system then implements the logical volume and stores the intent, along with a corresponding set of rules for configuring the logical volume, with the logical volume. As a result, volume management operations like resizing the volume and evacuating data from the volume use the rules to preserve the intent of the creator. By ensuring that the logical volume consistently conforms to rules fulfilling the original intent, a consistent level of availability of the logical volume can be achieved to fulfill contractual availability requirements for storage service level agreements.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product to enable a user to specify an intended use for a logical volume. The logical volume is configured using an application-specific template (also referred to as a user template) for an application, where the application-specific template satisfies the intended use. Rules from the application-specific template are stored with the logical volume in addition to or as part of the intent.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for preserving the intent of a logical volume creator with the logical volume. The creator of a logical volume defines certain characteristics of that logical volume. In response to the user's requirements, the system explores the possibilities for providing the characteristics in the existing storage environment. The system then implements the logical volume and stores the intent, along with a corresponding set of rules for configuring the logical volume, with the logical volume. As a result, volume management operations like resizing the volume and evacuating data from the volume use the rules to preserve the intent of the creator. By ensuring that the logical volume consistently conforms to rules fulfilling the original intent, a consistent level of availability of the logical volume can be achieved to fulfill contractual availability requirements for storage service level agreements.