Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product in a data processing system for increasing data storage performance. The data processing system includes multiple primary storage devices and a spare storage device. A logical volume definition is established that defines logical volumes utilizing the primary storage devices. A failure of one of the primary storage devices is detected. Data that was stored on the failed primary storage device at the time the failure was detected is constructed on the spare storage device. The spare storage device is then assigned in the logical volume definition such that the spare storage device becomes a primary storage device. The reference to the failed primary storage device is removed from the logical volume definition.

Abstract: A method for returning a logical volume which is part of a redundant data storage system to on-line status following a disk failure within the logical volume during the time when another of that volume's disks is unavailable as a result of having its firmware updated, as an example. Data which would otherwise be changed in the logical volume due to host write requests is directed to a logging facility within the data storage system, but outside of the logical volume undergoing upgrade.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for copying and/or transferring stored data of one storage volume of a storage system to another storage volume while enabling requests to the storage volumes. The systems and methods may be particularly useful in RAID storage systems. One system includes a detector configured for detecting an amount of the stored data copied from the one storage volume to the other storage volume based on a boundary marker of the storage volumes. The boundary marker may indicate an amount of the stored data copied from the one storage volume to the other storage volume. A processor is communicatively connected to the detector for processing requests to the storage volumes according to rules based on the boundary marker. A file generator may generate a log file of the requests. The log file may be stored in the other storage volume thereby minimizing a need for external storage devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically providing assistance to a user of a system controlled through menus. Features and aspects hereof include detecting user input requesting information regarding an unselectable (or grayed-out) menu item presently displayed. The user input may comprise hovering the cursor over the unselectable item, right clicking the unselectable item, clicking another menu item on the same menu requesting the information, or other indicia of the user's request for reasons and/or remedies for the unselectable item. A message containing an explanation of the reason for unavailability of the grayed-out menu item and/or possible remedies therefore is displayed. In a particular embodiment, the system comprises a management system and a peripheral device such as a storage system or a network appliance. In another embodiment, the system may provide similar user interface features in an application program operable on a user's computer.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging a command string in an offline mode into a script, transmitting the script, and using a controller to read the script and send commands and data to an individual device attached to the controller. The script may contain a header and one or more action and action payloads. When the script is interpreted by the controller, various commands and data may be passed directly to the individual device. Such a system may be useful for performing low level commands on the device, including loading firmware.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing control structure access by a processor are disclosed. In general, a processor can communicate with a plurality of control structures. A memory window manager can then be implemented, which communicates with said processor and said plurality of control structures. The memory window manager specifies which control structure among said plurality of control structures is accessible by said processor. The memory window manager also specifies which control structure can be mapped into an address space of said processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for modifying firmware in a disk drive without risk of data loss in a RAID storage system by substantially preventing the RAID storage system from entering into a degraded mode during the firmware modification. In one embodiment, the RAID storage system includes a system disk drive designated for firmware modification and includes a second or proxy disk drive. A storage controller coupled to both drives may copy data from the system disk drive to the proxy disk drive. The controller may then disable the system disk drive and direct requests to the proxy disk drive. Once the system disk drive is disabled and its data copied, the storage controller may change firmware of the system disk drive. Following firmware modification, the controller may update data as needed on the system disk drive and may then enable the system disk drive to again process the requests.

Abstract: Methods and structure for storing volume and other configuration information on all disk drives of a volume group and for performing pre-merge operations to inform a user of the pending availability of the identified volumes. Configuration information has been historically stored in two distinct areas of configuration information on disk drives—a volume information area and an “other” information area. Aspects of the invention provide for storing all configuration information in the “other” information area. All disks of a system therefore include all configuration information relating both to volumes and to pseudo volume. A pre-merge operation is performed when each disk drive is inserted into a storage system to present new volume information to a user. When the last disk drive of a volume group is inserted, the user may select new volumes to be imported into the system.

Abstract: Methods and associated structure for migrating storage devices between storage subsystems. A storage device to be removed from a storage subsystem is first “exported” by altering configuration data stored on the storage device. The altered configuration information helps assure that the storage device will be recognized as a foreign device in any storage subsystem into which it is subsequently inserted. Forcing recognition of the storage device as a foreign storage device in any subsystem helps assure predictability of the process of importing the storage device into a new system and helps reduce the risk of data loss when reinserting the storage device into a storage subsystem. Storage devices so migrated may include individual disk drives as well as entire volumes comprising one or more disk drives.

Abstract: A method, program and system for recovering data from a failed drive in a RAID system are provided. The invention comprises assigning a plurality of storage drives within the RAID to a defined volume group. If a failure of a drive in the volume group is detected, the failed drive is removed from the volume group, and data from the failed drive is redistributed to the drives remaining in the volume group. In another embodiment of the present invention, a previously unused drive in the RAID is assigned to the volume group to replace the failed drive, and the data on the failed drive is reconstructed on the newly assigned drive. In yet another embodiment, two or more previously unused drives are assigned to the volume group to replace each failed drive. The data from the failed drive is then re-striped across the remaining drives in the volume group, including the newly assigned drives.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for a storage subsystem. This subsystem includes controller devices, storage devices, and a communications network. The communications network connects the controller devices and the storage devices. The communications network also includes a set of diagnostic outputs. The set of diagnostic outputs is configured to output data sent between two devices from the controller devices and the storage devices for monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for copying and/or transferring stored data of one storage volume of a storage system to another storage volume while enabling requests to the storage volumes. The systems and methods may be particularly useful in RAID storage systems. One system includes a detector configured for detecting an amount of the stored data copied from the one storage volume to the other storage volume based on a boundary marker of the storage volumes. The boundary marker may indicate an amount of the stored data copied from the one storage volume to the other storage volume. A processor is communicatively connected to the detector for processing requests to the storage volumes according to rules based on the boundary marker. A file generator may generate a log file of the requests. The log file may be stored in the other storage volume thereby minimizing a need for external storage devices.

Abstract: A method, program and system for recovering data from a failed drive in a RAID system are provided. The invention comprises assigning a plurality of storage drives within the RAID to a defined volume group. If a failure of a drive in the volume group is detected, the failed drive is removed from the volume group, and data from the failed drive is redistributed to the drives remaining in the volume group. In another embodiment of the present invention, a previously unused drive in the RAID is assigned to the volume group to replace the failed drive, and the data on the failed drive is reconstructed on the newly assigned drive. In yet another embodiment, two or more previously unused drives are assigned to the volume group to replace each failed drive. The data from the failed drive is then re-striped across the remaining drives in the volume group, including the newly assigned drives.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product in a data processing system are disclosed for increasing data storage performance. The data processing system includes multiple primary storage devices and at least one unused, unassigned storage device. A logical volume definition is established that defines a logical volume utilizing the primary storage devices. A failure of one of the primary storage devices is detected. An unassigned storage device is then selected to be used as a replacement drive for the failed device. The selected unassigned storage device is then automatically assigned within the logical volume definition to be a new primary drive as part of the drive group defined by the logical volume definition.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product in a data processing system are disclosed for increasing data storage performance. The data processing system includes multiple primary storage devices and a spare storage device. A logical volume definition is established that defines logical volumes utilizing the primary storage devices. A failure of one of the primary storage devices is detected. Data that was stored on the failed primary storage device at the time the failure was detected is constructed on the spare storage device. The spare storage device is then assigned in the logical volume definition such that the spare storage device becomes a primary storage device. The reference to the failed primary storage device is removed from the logical volume definition.

Abstract: A redundant array of solid state disk drives is provided among the storage devices controlled by a storage controller. The solid state disk drives may serve as a level 2 cache using standard multi-level cache management algorithms. The solid state disks may share a drive channel with other storage devices or may have a dedicated channel. Multiple solid state disk devices may also be provided to avoid single points of failure. With two solid state disks, the storage processor could maintain the cache data in both devices. If one device fails, the other could be used to maintain data services. With two or more devices, other Redundant Array of Independent Disks organizations may be used to improve data-to-metadata ratio while maintaining fault tolerance. Using these Redundant Array of Independent Disks techniques, the plurality of solid state disks may then be organized as a single level 2 cache volume that serves as a second level cache for a storage controller.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and system of encapsulating an executable portion of a software program deliverable with custom configuration information into a single software program deliverable. The custom configuration information describing the needs of a particular customer is included and provided in a separate configuration data file. The executable portion software program includes functionality that is common to all customers. The executable also includes a sub-set of functionality that is customized for particular customers. The encapsulated, customized software product deliverable is then provided to the customer so as to reduce potential human errors in implementing the customized functionality.

Abstract: A solid state disk drive is provided among the storage devices controlled by a storage controller. The solid state disk drive may serve as a level 2 cache using standard multi-level cache management algorithms. The solid state disk may share a drive channel with other storage devices or may have a dedicated channel.