Abstract: A system and method for generating synthetic clients is provided. A synthetic client program, executing on one or more clients of a storage system environment, is invoked by a user. The synthetic client program simulates a plurality of physical clients (synthetic clients), each of which performs one or more operations directed to a storage system. A user may monitor the storage system under load for testing and/or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for keeping a file system client in a read-only name space of the file system includes a system management component which sends “create” calls in response to mount “commands”. The apparatus includes at least a first disk element in communication with the system management component which receives the “create” calls and creates mount points in the read only name space in response to the mount “commands”. A method for keeping a file system client in a read-only name space of the file system includes the steps of creating a context mount point in an existing unit of a file system, where the unit is preferably VFS, in the read-only name space. There is the step of adding a new VFS to the name space at the mount point to the existing VFS.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering a current read-write Virtual File System (VFS) includes a network element which receives client requests and makes calls responding to the client requests. The apparatus includes a VFS location database which maintains information about VFSes. The apparatus includes a disk element in which VFSes are disposed and which, when effective access to the current read-write VFS is lost, the disk element promotes a read-only VFS of the current read-write VFS to a read-write VFS. A method for recovering a current read-write VFS includes the steps of losing effective access to the current read-write VFS. There is the step of promoting a read-only VFS of the current read-write VFS to a read-write VFS.

Abstract: A simulated layer cake, including at least one layer of container structure, which includes a base plate on which is detachably mounted a cylindrical container side wall member to provide a container for holding a plurality of food items. A circular container top wall member is detachably mounted on the upper end of the cylindrical side wall container member to enclose the same. The cake layer container structure is adapted to have its outer surface coated with real decorative icing. A multiple layer cake may be formed with a plurality of the layer container structures.