Abstract: A system and method are provided for storing and using recovery state information during a data stream transfer, such as a download. During the download of compressed, archived data, the system tracks the position of the last file boundary and the position of the last compression block boundary before the last file boundary, and the system stores this information as a recovery state. If the download is interrupted, the system uses the recovery state information to resume the download at an efficient location in the data stream.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for modifying computing resources in response to application behavior. A computing system includes a replication component configured to replicate data storage from a first data volume to a second data volume. In addition, the replication component is configured to monitor application I/O characteristics and store related statistics. I/O characteristics may include size, concurrency, locality, and frequency. I/O characteristics which are stored, and guidelines for modifying system resources based on those characteristics, may be displayed for use by an administrator in tuning system resources. Periodically, or in response to detecting an event, the replication component may automatically access the statistics and modify the system resources used by the replication system to better accommodate the application's behavior.

Abstract: A flash memory that shares a booting function and a booting program, and an apparatus and method for protecting the same in an AT Attachment Packet Interface (ATAPI) drive. The flash memory includes a first boot zone, where a booting program is stored, a second boot zone, where a backup of the booting program is stored, and a data zone, where an executable and downloaded firmware program is stored, wherein the corresponding booting program in either of the first or second boot zones which has no error is executed when an error is detected in the alternate first or second boot zone. Accordingly, it is possible to restore a flash memory damaged due to some external cause to its original state, thereby reducing costs for replacement of the damaged flash memory.

Abstract: A method is described for configuring a system having a plurality of processors to provide the system with at least one cluster of processors, where each cluster has one service point. A distance is computed from each processor to other processors in the system. A plurality of total distances is then computed, where each total distance is associated with one processor. A minimum total distance is determined from the plurality of total distances. One processor is assigned to be the service point; this processor is the processor having the minimum total distance associated therewith.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is disclosed a system for derivation of missing data objects from test data. The system may include a data populator having code for: (1) generating data objects from the test data, (2) arranging the data objects in a tree structure, (3) deriving the missing data objects from the tree structure, and (4) populating the missing data objects into the tree structure; a data model in communication with the data populator; and a plurality of clients in communication with the data model. In an embodiment, a method of derivation of missing data objects from test data is disclosed. The method may include generating data objects from the test data; arranging the data objects in a tree structure; deriving the missing data objects from the tree structure; and populating the missing data objects into the tree structure. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method of testing a link between a first chip and a second chip is provided. The first method includes the steps of, while operating in a test mode, (1) transmitting test data of sufficient length to enable exercising of worst case transitions from the first chip to the second chip via the link; and (2) performing cyclic redundancy checking (CRC) on the test data to test the link. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A method and system of examining resource reliability in which a data acquisition section collects a utilization performance record of a resource previously recorded in a utilization performance record storage and data on the resource stored in a Web server and stores them, and a reliability judge section judges the reliability of the resource based on the data stored in the data acquisition section. The resource with high reliability is offered based on the results of the judgment in response to a request.

Abstract: A network includes a primary upstream node associated with a predetermined type of traffic, and a secondary upstream node that is associated with the predetermined type of traffic and is communicatively coupled to the primary upstream node. The network also includes a plurality of traffic nodes communicatively coupled to the primary upstream node and to the secondary upstream node, and each of the plurality of traffic nodes includes a plurality of ports. The primary upstream node is configured to transmit a plurality of periodic indicator messages to each of the plurality of traffic nodes and to the secondary upstream node indicating that the primary upstream node currently is operating as a master upstream node for the network with respect to the predetermined type of traffic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pushing messages, arbitrated by a Control Manager, to local and remote client computer modules in a networked architecture. The messages may include voice, video, text and data communications. The system provides a Control Manager, which comprises the Event Manager, the Authentication Manager, and the Secure Connection Maintainer. The Event Manager, a trusted module, passes messages between local and remote modules using established, and possibly secure, connections, and provides message receipt verification and reply/return message capabilities to the event-triggering module. Messages may be also encrypted. The Authentication Manager, also a trusted module, provides authentication and authorization services. The Authentication Manager is responsible for handling client identification, authorization, and authentication across a secured communications channel.

Abstract: Provided is a control method for a computer system including at least one computer, including: collecting information on operating statuses of the computer system; storing correlation information indicating a correlation among the collected pieces of information; at least one of: detecting a failure that has occurred in a service executed in the computer system from the collected information with reference to the correlation information and creating a process of recovering the detected failure; and accepting an input of a process performed with respect to the computer system; evaluating an effect and a side-effect given to the computer system through execution of at least one of the created process and the inputted process with reference to the correlation information; and determining at least one of a need, an order, and time of execution of the at least one process whose effect and side-effect are evaluated.

Abstract: A boot validation system and method may be used in a computer system to validate boot code before allowing the computer system to execute the boot code. In particular, a secure hash algorithm may be used to compute a hash value of the boot code and the computed hash value may be compared to a preprogrammed hash value stored in a secure non-volatile device. If the hash values match the boot code may be validated and the system may then be allowed to execute the boot code. Once the boot code is validated, the boot code may be executed to validate other code (e.g., firmware) in the computer system. In an exemplary embodiment, the boot validation systems and method may be used in an imaging device, such as a printer.

Abstract: The present invention unitarily manages the configuration change of a storage system so as to know the latest configuration, and evaluates the reliability in advance when the configuration is changed so that the generation of a failure is suppressed. When the host 1 is connected to the switch 2, the attribute information of HBA 1A and the attribute information of the switch 2 are stored in the connection information storage unit 2C by FDMI (Fabric Device Management Interface) (S1, S2). Each attribute information is associated with each other and is managed as combination information. The storage device 3 acquires the combination information from the switch 2 (S3, S4), and requests the management device 4 to judge the reliability of this combination (S5). The management device 4 judges the combination of the HBA and the switch (S6), and notifies this judgment result to the storage device 3 (S7).

Abstract: A memory device has a plurality of memory blocks utilized to store data. One of the blocks is used as a hidden memory block to store an operating system program, instead of data. The hidden memory block is designated as a bad block so that data will not be written into the hidden memory block, but a tag associated with the hidden memory block identifies that the hidden memory block contains the operating system program.

Abstract: A computer system which may allow a centerplaneless design. The computer system may include various client circuit boards including processor circuit boards, memory circuit boards and switch circuit boards. The processor circuit boards may each include at least one processor, while the memory circuit boards may each include memory which is accessible by each processor. The switch circuit boards may include a plurality of detachable connectors for interconnecting each of the processor circuit boards to each of the memory circuit boards. At least one of the switch circuit boards may convey redundant memory access information. Each of the boards may be hot swappable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intermediate node includes one or more active forwarding planes and one or more redundant forwarding planes. The intermediate node may also include one or more active control planes and one or more redundant control planes. A test packet is generated, in some cases by a redundant control plane, and transferred to a redundant forwarding plane. The operational state of the redundant forwarding plane is verified, at least in part, by using operational software and hardware contained in the redundant forwarding plane to forward the test packet from the redundant forwarding plane to a target line card. The target line card loops the test packet back to the redundant forwarding plane as part of the verification process. In some cases, the redundant control plane processes the looped-back test packet.

Abstract: A publish-subscribe system includes a producer configured to publish a message and to subscribe to an acknowledgement that the message was received. The system also includes a consumer configured to subscribe to the message and to publish the acknowledgement. The system further includes a network configured to register a message subscription and an acknowledgement subscription, to process the message subscription and the acknowledgement subscription, to forward the message to the consumer based on the message subscription and to forward the acknowledgement to the producer based on the acknowledgement subscription.

Abstract: A remote site managing system for centrally managing computers and peripheral devices of a customer, is provided. In the event that there is trouble with equipment in the office to be serviced, and a customer in the office notifies the maintenance service company of the trouble by telephone (i.e., a center call), the remote site managing system deals with the trouble in an appropriate manner, and dispatches maintenance (either dispatching service personnel or commissioning the maintenance to another service company) in a smooth manner.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic failure recovery in a storage system that includes replicating data stored in a first storage volume at a storage system into a second storage volume at the storage system, the first storage volume handling Input/Output (I/O) operations between the storage system and a host device. A failure is detected in the I/O operations with the first storage volume and a recovery process initiated that includes identifying a path from the host device to the second storage volume or a third storage volume to allow continuation of the I/O operations automatically. The third storage volume containing data recovered from the second storage volume.

Abstract: Availability of a clustered system is determined by identifying all possible states of a cluster, mapping the connections between the states are mapped and determining the probability of the cluster being in each of the states is determined. Availability of the cluster is the sum of the probabilities of being in those states in which the cluster is at least partially available. Parameters affecting the availability of the cluster include the rates at which a cluster transitions from state to state, including the reciprocal of Mean Time To Fail, Mean Time to Fail-Over, Mean Time To Fail-Back and Mean Time To Restore. Availability of statefull and stateless clusters may be determined. Availability of clusters including any number of nodes (e.g., a Internet service) can be determined. In one embodiment of the invention, a target availability is determined and parameters are varied to determine the most efficient approach to reach the target availability.

Abstract: A network storage system includes a virtual file system (“VFS”) that manages the files of the network storage system, and a storage center that stores the files. The VFS and the storage center are separated, such that a client accesses the VFS to conduct file system operations and the client accesses the storage center to upload/download files. The client accesses the network storage system through one or more storage ports. The storage center includes a plurality of distributed object storage managers (DOSMs) and a storage cluster that includes a plurality of intelligent storage nodes. The network storage system includes additional storage centers at geographically disparate locations. The network storage system uses a multi-cast protocol to maintain file information at the DOSMs regarding files stored in the intelligent storage nodes, including files stored in disparate storage centers.

Abstract: An administrative server automatically manages the operating time of each of plural terminal equipments and promotes rotation between those having respective, longer and shorter operating times to thereby reduce the occurrence of trouble and improve operating efficiency. Respective operating times of a plurality of terminal equipments are measured and equalized at the expiry of a predetermined operation period tf. Rotation candidate terminal equipments are determined, based on their respective, accumulated operating times before the expiry of the predetermined operation period tx, and terminal equipments rotation messages are sent to the so determined rotation candidate terminal equipments. After an exchange of one of the rotation candidate terminal equipments with another, both are re-connected and the data associated with the one of the rotation candidate terminal equipments is downloaded onto the another rotation candidate terminal equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the reliability of a system, such as a software system, is disclosed. “Service measurements” that are routinely measured and monitored in connection with the operation of systems (e.g., QOS (Quality Of Service) measurements) are utilized in the reliability architecture of the system. Service measurements include a number of alternative data types, such as transactions completed, messages received, messages sent, calls completed, bytes transmitted, jobs processed, etc. Any operations of the system that are typically monitored for other purposes can be utilized in the reliability architecture of the present invention. Most systems track these types of statistics as, for example, part of their billing procedures or part of their performance bench-marking or QOS processes.

Abstract: A method is provided for utilizing four error correcting code (ECC) pin connections of a PCI/PCI-X bus for one of Grant (GNT) and Request (REQ) pin connections. The method determines a mode of the PCI bus to be PCI-X Mode 1, PCI-X Mode 2, or PCI. If the determined mode is PCI-X Mode 2, the four ECC pin connections are used as ECC pin connections, and if the determined mode is PCI or PCI-X Mode 1, each of the four ECC pin connections is used as a GNT pin connection or a REQ pin connection.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus (1) comprises an image forming part (150, 160) that carries out an image forming and reproducing process; a data storage (20) that stores possible problems occurring in connection with the image forming and reproducing process, each problem being stored in association with addressee information; an acquiring unit (13) that acquires problem information when one of the problems occurs in connection with the image forming and reproducing process; an addressee determination unit (14) that selects an addressee corresponding to the occurring problem with reference to the data storage; and a communication unit (17) that reports the-occurring problem to the selected addressee.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for monitoring a print system. The system includes a print system monitor that is adapted for communicating with components of the print system, collecting health information regarding the operation of the print system components, compiling the health information regarding the operation of the print system components, and conveying the health information regarding the operation of the print system components and print system as a whole together to a user. Normally, the print system monitor is in communication with each component of the print system such that information as to operation of each component of the print system can be conveyed together to the user. Operating in this manner, the print system monitor automatically provides important information as to each component of the print system and the system as a whole for purposes of rectifying and avoiding printing problems.

Abstract: An automated method of establishing a filesystem utilizing the establishment of a first filesystem that interfaces with devices by loading software, including a first set of drivers, into memory and initializing the first set of drivers with the devices. The first filesystem is then mounted on a root directory that comprises a single storage device. The method allows input/output functionality within the first filesystem and, while input/output functionality is available to the first filesystem, the method accesses the single storage device to obtain software, including a second set of drivers. The method loads the software into the memory and initializes the second set of drivers with the devices to establish a second filesystem. The second filesystem is mounted on a root directory comprising the single storage device and another storage device and the first filesystem is then rendered inactive.

Abstract: Dynamically filtering and classifying messages, as good messages, bulk periodicals, or spam. A regular expression recognizer, and pre-trained neural networks. The neural networks distinguish “likely good” from “likely spam,” and also operate at a more discriminating level to distinguish among the three categories above. A dynamic whitelist and blacklist; sending addresses are collected when the number of their messages indicates the sender is good or a spammer. A dynamically selected set of regular expressions input to the neural networks.

Abstract: A computer system having a plurality of processors where each of the processors is dynamically assigned for execution of tasks based upon either performance or reliability.

Abstract: A method and system for restoring basic functionality to a portable computer system via a server accessed remotely by telephone. A user of a portable computer system which has lost data and software which was held in volatile memory may connect to a server to restore basic functionality to the portable computer system. The server may be an enterprise or a web-based server. The connection may be made, for instance, over a 1-800 or a 1-900 telephone line. The server transfers sufficient software to the RAM of the portable computer for it to regain basic functionality. For example, synchronization software may be transferred to the portable computer. The portable computer may then use the synchronization software to synchronize via the server or host connection more fully in order to restore lost data or lost software applications that were stored on a server or on a host computer system.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining a predicted health of a system that would result from an application of a proposed intervention to an existing system. The predicted health is determined by determining a set of modifications involved in the proposed intervention wherein each modification involves one or more components of the existing system. For each modification, a set of component information that pertains to the modification is obtained from a knowledge base. Each set of component information may specify inter-dependencies among the components involved in the modification. For each modification, it is determined whether the inter-dependencies specified in the component information are satisfied. The determination of whether the inter-dependencies are satisfied enables a determination of the predicted health of individual components of the system as well as the predicted health of the overall system.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating plural disparate information sources into a single stream of information using middleware. Data received from real-time sources (e.g., stock quotes) is given priority for distribution over non-real-time sources (e.g., news sources). By coordinating between several servers, data can be distributed in a load-balanced fashion which also performs self-healing in the face of server errors.

Abstract: A method for reducing oscillations of an output value associated with a program to be operatively coupled to a data processing system. The program having an internal process configured to read an input value provided by the program, the input value adjusting a performance aspect of the internal process, the internal process configured to provide an output value reflecting changes in the internal process responsive to the input value, the output value readable by the program.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for providing electronic support and assistance from a server to a client are disclosed. An agent residing on the client monitors events requiring support, such as faults and error messages. When an event requiring support occurs, the client agent collects data associated with the event, formulates a message, and transmits the message to the server. The server applies the event data to support vector machines that classify the data into categories and produce probability scores for each category. Category probability scores that exceed a threshold value cause the server to formulate and transmit a response containing category-specific resolution information to the client. When no matching categories are identified, the response so indicates. After receiving the response, the client automatically provides support to resolve the event.

Abstract: A method and system for making an application highly available within a clustered environment includes detecting a cluster on an installation node, verifying whether at least one application component can be installed on the detected cluster, installing the at least one application component on the detected cluster, modifying the at least one application component, and putting the at least one application component online.

Abstract: A method of operating a computer system includes providing a program in memory, verifying the program prior to an installation of the program and generating a program fault signal when the verification fails. The program includes at least one program unit, and each program unit includes an Application Programming Interface (API) definition file and an implementation. Each API definition file defines items in its associated program unit that are made accessible to one or more other program units and each implementation includes executable code corresponding to the API definition file. The executable code includes type specific instructions and data. Verification includes determining whether a first program unit implementation is internally consistent, determining whether the first program unit implementation is consistent with a first program unit API definition file associated with the first program unit implementation and generating a program fault signal when the verifying fails.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for processing data according to data types. The data processing method is performed by a slave processor and a main processor, wherein the slave processor stores and reads data and the main processor is connected to the slave processor to process the data.

Abstract: A web server arrangement is provided having a kernel-mode listener service capable of receiving web requests and providing the web requests to at least one user mode web application. The listener service and the web application are operatively configured by a user-mode administrative process. The administrative process is configured to determine when a web application needs to be recycled and to selectively recycle web applications.

Abstract: A plurality of local network groups of computers (102) are coupled together by a network (104). Independent processing systems that execute a single operating system are coupled together by a network (220) to form the local network groups. The independent processing systems may have more than one CPU (202). One or more of the independent processing systems may share power, cooling and a housing, thereby forming a common fault processor group (200). An application is written to execute across multiple independent processing systems and common fault processor groups. That is, the application runs in many instances that each run on independent processing systems. The multiple instances of the application provide some measure of high availability by using N+K sparing or the like. The application is for example, call processing or radio control. A processor notification list (304) keeps track of the independent processing systems that cooperatively provide an application.

Abstract: A router for routing a frame includes a temporary-halt-start-informing unit for transmitting a temporary-halt-start notification message indicating a start of a temporary halt of the router to adjacent routers in the event of the temporary halt and a temporary-halt-recovery-informing unit for transmitting a temporary-halt-recovery notification message indicating a recovery from a temporary halt of the router to adjacent routers in the event of the recovery from the temporary halt; a temporary-halt-start-notification-receiving unit for receiving a temporary-halt-start notification message indicating a start of a temporary halt of an adjacent router from the adjacent router in the event of the temporary halt.

Abstract: When causing a power saving mode to return by inputting a return signal, power is supplied to a device to which suppliance of power has been cut off. In this case, a power-saving control CPLD is masked to cancel an uncertain signal generated in the device under an intermediate potential at which the voltage of a power-saving-time power cutoff device, which supplies power to the device, is gradually rising. Thus, an erroneous operation caused by the uncertain signal can be prevented. Further, when the voltage of the power-saving-time power cutoff device reaches an operation-guaranteeing voltage, the power-saving control CPLD reads the uncertain signal again. Thereby, intrinsic characteristics of the uncertain signal can be verified, and a secure return operation can be implemented.

Abstract: The invention presents a computerized method for tracking equipment repair that begins by receiving an equipment identification of an item of equipment to be repaired from a user through a graphic user interface. The invention provides the user with a list of common problems for that item of equipment (and similar equipment) and a component hierarchy for the item of equipment. The invention allows the user to browse through multiple levels of the component hierarchy and select a major component, a minor component, or a subcomponent from the component hierarchy. The invention receives diagnosis input from the user optionally selecting one of the problems and/or a component from the component hierarchy and, in response, provides the user with detailed information regarding the problem or component selected by the user.

Abstract: A high availability packet forwarding router for an internet protocol (IP) network, includes two control processors, one or more service termination cards (STCs) with forwarding information bases (FIBs), and a packet forwarding engine. The two processors run asynchronously in a master/standby relationship. Integrity of processes running on the control processors is monitored and the forwarding engine forwards packets according to a FIB maintained by an in-service one of the control processors. Hitless failover and hitless software upgrades are supported.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing scalability and fault tolerance to a distributed network. According to one embodiment of the invention, a network management system comprises a set of one or more element management servers. One of the plurality of element management servers is designated as a master server. The master server determines which of the plurality of element management servers are to manage each of a set of one or more network elements. In one embodiment, peered and federated services are used within the network management system to provide scalability and fault tolerance.

Abstract: A memory device has a plurality of memory blocks utilized to store data. One of the blocks is used as a hidden memory block to store an operating system program, instead of data. The hidden memory block is designated as a bad block so that data will not be written into the hidden memory block, but a tag associated with the hidden memory block identifies that the hidden memory block contains the operating system program.

Abstract: While executing a command that accesses a sector on a disk-shaped recording medium placed in a data recording device, an address of a sector where it is difficult to read data is recorded in a memory. After that, a determination is made as to whether or not the data recording device is executing a command. If it is judged that the data recording device is not executing a command, the address of the sector is read from the memory, and then a bad sector is searched for by detecting whether or not it is difficult to read data from each of surrounding sectors adjacent to the sector, the address of which has been read.

Abstract: A split processing system is provided that has a plurality of nodes and a communication network. Each node includes one or more processors, or a processor subsystem including at least one processor and an operating system. Each node has a specific number of failure modes which is less than the number of failure modes in an unsplit system wherein all of the processors are located at a single node. The communication network allows the one or more processors at each of the nodes to interoperate with each other.

Abstract: A system and a method for changing the communication means used for communication between two software agents. Each software agent has a communication module, which gives the software agents access to the communication means. In addition, the software agents have means for receiving a new communication module from the communication server.

Abstract: The present invention unitarily manages the configuration change of a storage system so as to know the latest configuration, and evaluates the reliability in advance when the configuration is changed so that the generation of a failure is suppressed. When the host 1 is connected to the switch 2, the attribute information of HBA 1A and the attribute information of the switch 2 are stored in the connection information storage unit 2C by FDMI (Fabric Device Management Interface) (S1, S2). Each attribute information is associated with each other and is managed as combination information. The storage device 3 acquires the combination information from the switch 2 (S3, S4), and requests the management device 4 to judge the reliability of this combination (S5). The management device 4 judges the combination of the HBA and the switch (S6), and notifies this judgment result to the storage device 3 (S7).

Abstract: The present invention allows construction of a secure, real-time operating system from a portable language such as Java that appears to be a Java virtual machine from a top perspective but provides a secure operating system from a bottom perspective. This allows portable languages, such as Java, to be used for secure embedded multiprocessor environments.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively checkpointing application components. In one embodiment this method may include deploying a plurality of application components on a server, determining checkpoint information for each application component on the server, and selectively checkpointing each component during execution of each component according to the checkpoint information for each component. In one embodiment the checkpoint information may be provided by a checkpoint selection heuristic, which makes checkpoint selections based on a description of one or more methods of the application component. In one embodiment the checkpoint information may be provided by a deployment descriptor, which may have multiple overriding tiers to facilitate precise selection of methods, components and modules for checkpointing. In one embodiment the checkpoint and activation process may include callback routines which prepare an application component for checkpointing and activation.