Abstract: An approach to providing auto recovery of data sets in volumes. When an error condition results from an attempt to access an unintentionally deleted data set, an event is generated and sent to other systems with access to the volume in which the data set existed. The volume is also locked to prevent corruption during the recovery process. A system that has the unintentionally deleted data set open retrieves location information for the data set from control blocks in the system's memory. This location information is used to build a new entry for the data set in the VTOC for the volume. When the data set is thus recovered, the data set is validated, the lock removed, and the data set is made available to the systems sharing the volume.

Abstract: The method includes receiving a command at a first storage system of a block storage cluster. The command is transmitted by the initiator system to the first storage system via a network and includes a request for data. The method further includes transferring the stored data from the first storage system to the initiator system via the network when data requested in the data request is stored by the first storage system. The method further includes transmitting a referral response from the first storage system to the initiator system when a portion of the data requested in the data request is not stored by the first storage system, but is stored by a second storage. system of the block storage cluster.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for performing partial memory mirroring operations. For example, one embodiment of a processor comprises: a processor core for generating a read or write transaction having a system memory address; a home agent identified to service the read or write transaction based on the system memory address; one or more target address decoders (TADs) associated with the home agent to determine whether the system memory address is within a mirrored memory region or a non-mirrored memory region, wherein: if the system memory address is within a mirrored memory region, then the one or more TADs identifying multiple mirrored memory channels for the read or write transaction; and if the system memory address is not within a mirrored memory region, then the one or more TADs identifying a single memory channel for the read or write transaction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor storage device includes a nonvolatile memory, memory controller storing control information, a switch between the nonvolatile memory/memory controller and a power supply terminal, a second memory, an interpreter interprets a command, a switch controller, and a third memory stores an address of the control information in the second memory. The memory controller instructs the switch controller to open the switch after writing the control information into the second memory and reads the control information from the second memory based on the address stored in the third memory when the memory controller is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for performing a bare-metal restore, the system including a target storage device, and a target computer configured to boot independent of the target storage device, expose the target storage device to a restoring computer after the target computer has booted, and act as a conduit for the restoring computer to perform a bare-metal restore of backup data onto the target storage device, and the method including booting a target computer independent of a target storage device, exposing the target storage device to a restoring computer after the target computer has booted, and causing the target computer to act as a conduit for the restoring computer to perform a bare-metal restore of backup data onto the target storage device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer storage mediums are provided for mitigating damage to data caused by a computer process having a corrupted pointer. An exemplary method includes receiving a pointer to a memory address. The pointer is received in conjunction with a command of the computer process to access data stored at the memory address, where the data is intended to be stored in a memory segment that allows for read-only access. The memory segment that includes the memory address is analyzed to determine a modification state for the memory segment, where the modification state indicates the type of access that the memory segment allows. The computer process is halted when the modification state indicates that the memory segment allows for other than read-only access.

Abstract: A disk drive system and method capable of dynamically allocating data is provided. The disk drive system may include a RAID subsystem having a pool of storage, for example a page pool of storage that maintains a free list of RAIDs, or a matrix of disk storage blocks that maintain a null list of RAIDs, and a disk manager having at least one disk storage system controller. The RAID subsystem and disk manager dynamically allocate data across the pool of storage and a plurality of disk drives based on RAID-to-disk mapping. The RAID subsystem and disk manager determine whether additional disk drives are required, and a notification is sent if the additional disk drives are required. Dynamic data allocation and data progression allow a user to acquire a disk drive later in time when it is needed. Dynamic data allocation also allows efficient data storage of snapshots/point-in-time copies of virtual volume pool of storage, instant data replay and data instant fusion for data backup, recovery etc.

Abstract: A computerized method for sharing removable storage media in a network, the method comprising associating, in an index entry, a first piece of removable storage media in a first storage device with at least a first storage policy copy and a second storage policy copy; copying, to the first piece of removable storage media, data associated with the first storage policy copy; and copying, to the first piece of removable storage media, data associated with the second storage policy copy.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing dynamic random access memory (DRAM) failure scenarios mitigation using buffer techniques delaying usage of RAS features in computer systems. A buffer is provided with a memory controller. Physical address data read/write failures are analyzed. Responsive to identifying predefined failure types for physical address data read/write failures, the buffer is used to selectively store and retrieve data.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods associated with memory allocations for virtual machines are disclosed. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a processor; a plurality of memory modules; and a memory controller configured to provide a layout of the memory modules. The apparatus may further include a VMM configured to be operated by the processor to manage execution of a VM by the processor including selective allocation of the memory modules to the VM using the layout of the memory modules provided to the VMM by the memory controller. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for dispatching of service requests in a redundant storage virtualization subsystem including a plurality of storage virtualization controllers is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of the host entity issuing a first service request to a first one of the SVCs; the first SVC handling the first service request, acquiring a first result of servicing the first service request, and returning the first result to the host entity the result; and, the host entity issuing a second service request to a second one of the SVCs; and, the second SVC handling the second service request, acquiring a second result of servicing the second service request, and returning the second result to the host entity the result. A storage virtualization subsystem implementing the method, a computer system comprising such storage virtualization subsystem, and a storage media having machine-executable codes stored therein for performing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is used in recovering file system blocks of file systems. A first read error is encountered upon reading a file system block of a file system. The file system block includes a first set of chunks. A second read error is encountered upon reading a duplicate copy of the file system block. The duplicate copy of the file system block includes a second set of chunks. Each chunk of the first and second sets of chunks is evaluated. Based on the evaluation, the file system block is recovered.

Abstract: A data storage system configured to manage unreliable memory units is disclosed. In one embodiment, the data storage system maintains an unreliable memory unit list designating memory units in a non-volatile memory array as reliable or unreliable. The unreliable memory unit list facilitates management of unreliable memory at a granularity level finer than the granularity of a block of memory. The data storage system can add entries to the unreliable memory unit list as unreliable memory units are discovered. Further, the data storage system can continue to perform memory access operations directed to reliable memory units in blocks containing other memory units determined to be unreliable. As a result, the operational life of the data storage system is extended.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for adding point-in-time copy relationships to a data processing system. A request is received to establish a first point-in-time copy relationship. Responsive to determining that a first target of the first point-in-time copy relationship is target write inhibited, that a source of the first point-in-time copy relationship is a source of a first continuous synchronous copy relationship, that a target of the first continuous synchronous copy relationship is part of a second point-in-time copy relationship, and that the source of the first point-in-time copy relationship is part of a volume swap configuration, a volume swap relationship is added between the first point-in-time target volume and the second point-in-time target volume to the volume swap configuration.

Abstract: Effects of a physical memory fault are mitigated. In one example, to facilitate mitigation, memory is allocated to processing entities of a computing environment, such as applications, operating systems, or virtual machines, in a manner that minimizes impact to the computing environment in the event of a memory failure. Allocation includes using memory structure information, including, information regarding fault containment zones, to allocate memory to the processing entities. By allocating memory based on fault containment zones, a fault only affects a minimum number of processing entities.

Abstract: A method of correcting stored data includes reading data stored in a portion of a nonvolatile memory. The method includes, for each particular bit position of the read data, updating a count of data error instances associated with the particular bit position in response to detecting that the read data differs from a corresponding reference value of the particular bit position. The reading of the first portion and the updating of the counts of data error instances are performed for a particular number of repetitions. The method includes identifying each bit position having an associated count of data error instances equal to the particular number of repetitions as a recurring error bit position.

Abstract: Approaches for a packet format for error reporting in a content addressable memory (CAM) device are disclosed. The CAM device may comprise a CAM array that includes a plurality of rows, each row including a plurality of CAM cells coupled to a match line, and an error notification circuit capable of forming a packet that indicates whether the CAM device is experiencing an error condition. If an error condition was experienced by the CAM device, the response packet may also indicate the type(s) of error that was encountered. Advantageously, information about any error condition experienced by the CAM device may be quickly ascertained by a host device in which the CAM device is incorporated.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving an indication that a hard disk drive within a data array is failing, thus defining a failing hard disk drive. At least a portion of the data included within the failing hard disk drive is copied to a failover portion of a front end cache system included within a host coupled to the data array, thus defining a backup data set.

Abstract: Method for automatically reloading software characterized in that it comprises: a step of detecting corruption (E101) of at least one part of a software package of an on-board programmable device (10-1, 10-2, 10-n); and, in response to signaling, a step of reloading (E103) a non-corrupt version of the said at least one corrupt part of the software in order to replace the said at least one corrupt part of the software.

Abstract: A primary active manager can manage a first copy of a database in a first computer system cluster according to a set of management rules that provide for an active copy and one or more passive copies of the database at a given time. The primary active manager can also manage a second copy of the database in a second computer system cluster according to the rules. The rules can allow the first copy of the database or the second copy of the database to be the active copy if one or more criterion in the rules is met for that active copy. The first copy can be designated as the active copy and the second copy can be designated as a passive copy. A failure of the first copy can be detected, and in response, the second copy can be automatically designated as the active copy.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to detect a failure event indicating possible failure of a storage device, initiate a rebuild for the storage device which experienced the failure event, receive information about the storage device which experienced the failure event, and apply a set of statistical process control rules to the information to determine whether the failure event is statistically abnormal. Other systems, methods, and computer program products for providing early warning of storage device failure are also described in additional embodiments.

Abstract: A disk control apparatus includes a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor in which executes a process as follows. The process includes diagnosing whether or not a failure has occurred on each of a plurality of disk apparatuses, determining, when the failure has occurred, whether or not the failure is a pre-defined failure, and excluding from diagnosis targets, when the failure is the pre-defined failure, a disk apparatus group included in a RAID together with a failed disk apparatus that is determined to have the pre-defined failure in the plurality of disk apparatuses.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for restoring data. In some embodiments, this includes determining an object to be recovered, determining a representation of the object, and requesting the representation of the object from a data resource system. In some embodiments, the representation of the object is a hash value of the object. In some embodiments, the representation of the object is a segment of the object.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a first memory, a second memory, and a control unit. The first memory includes a volatile first register retaining a first operation parameter. The control unit performs a first operation of retaining the first operation parameter in the second memory. Then, the control unit turns OFF the first memory while retaining the first operation parameter in the second memory when an operation mode is switched from a first mode to a power saving second mode. Then, the control unit performs a second operation of turning on the first memory, and transferring the first operation parameter retained in the second memory to the first register when the operation mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the risk of monitoring data failing to be stored includes periodically sending a test message from the monitoring device to a Networked Storage Device, NSD, generating an NSD fail signal in the monitoring device if events following the sending of the test message indicates that the NSD is not operating properly, and sending, in response to the NSD fail signal, a fail message from the monitoring device for detection outside housing of monitoring device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of calculating parity. The method dividing, by a client system, a file which is to be stored into chunks of a preset size and distributively storing the chunks in a plurality of data servers; sending, by the client system, a data write complete notification message to a metadata server; storing, by the metadata server, a file sent through the data write complete notification message in a recovery queue; and sending, by the metadata server, a random data server a parity calculation request for the file stored in the recovery queue.

Abstract: A computing core includes a processing module, main memory, and a memory controller. The memory controller receives a request to fetch an instruction from the processing module and determines whether the instruction is currently stored in the main memory. When the instruction is not currently stored in the main memory, the memory controller determines whether the instruction is stored in a distributed storage network (DSN) memory as one or more sets of encoded instruction slices; and, when it is, the memory controller addresses the DSN memory to retrieve the one or more sets of encoded instruction slices. When at least a threshold number of encoded instruction slices are retrieved for each of the one or more sets of encoded instruction slices, the one or more sets of encoded instruction slices are decoded using a dispersed storage error coding function to reconstruct the instruction, which is provided to the processing module.

Abstract: Processing cache data includes sending a cache processing request to a master cache service node in a cache cluster that includes a plurality of cache service nodes, the cache cluster being configurable in an active cluster configuration mode wherein the plurality of cache service nodes are all in working state and a master cache service node is selected among the plurality of cache service nodes, or in a standby cluster configuration mode, wherein the master cache service node is the only node among the plurality of cache service nodes that is in working state. It further includes waiting for a response from the master cache service node, determining whether the master cache service node has failed; and in the event that the master cache service node has failed, selecting a backup cache service node.

Abstract: A method includes a DSN access token module retrieving one or more sets of at least a threshold number of dispersed storage (DS) error coding function slices from the DSN memory via the computing device. The method continues with the computing device and/or the DSN access token module decoding the one or more sets of the at least a threshold number of DS error coding function slices using a default DS error coding function to recapture a DS error coding function. The method continues with the computing device and/or the DSN access token module generating a plurality of sets of data access requests in accordance with the DS error coding function. The method continues with the computing device sending the plurality of sets of data access requests to the DSN memory.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described where restoration of unnecessary data is prevented, and a storage area of the image forming apparatus is effectively utilized. When an option to increase the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus is selected, data backed up by a backup unit is set as data to be restored by a restore unit. When the option to increase the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus is not selected, data indicated by data identification information as being required data is set as data to be restored by the restore unit from among the data backed up by the backup unit.

Abstract: A system and method for power management of storage resources are disclosed. A method may include detecting an occurrence of an event associated with a storage resource disposed in an array of storage resources. The method may further include transitioning the storage resource into a specified power state in response to the detection of the occurrence of the event. A system may include a storage resource and a power management module communicatively coupled to the storage resource. The storage resource may be disposed in an array of storage resources. The power management module may be operable to detect an occurrence of an event associated with the storage resource, and may be operable to transition the storage resource into a specified power state in response to the detection of the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for processing data. In some embodiments, this includes analyzing a first container at a block level, determining a first text index of the first container, analyzing a second container at a block level, determining a second text index of the first container, and storing the first text index and the second text index in a backup catalog, wherein the backup catalog is stored in a storage device.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for processing data. In some embodiments, this includes analyzing a first container at a block level, determining a first level of granularity based on the analysis of the first container, based on the first level of granularity, identifying a first set of data objects, storing metadata of the first set of data objects in a recovery catalog, based on the first set of data objects, identifying a second container, analyzing the second container at a block level, determining a second level of granularity based on the analysis of the second container, based on the second level of granularity, identifying a second set of data objects, storing metadata of the second set of data objects in the recovery catalog, wherein the recovery catalog is stored in a storage device.

Abstract: A computer storage management system for managing a first plurality of data storage units, the system including: (a) an asynchronous parity computation manager which, responsive to a write operation in which an incoming data portion is to be written into an individual storage unit from among the storage units, deposits the incoming value in the individual storage unit and stores a copy of the data element in a pre-parity storage area, and wherein asynchronously with depositing the incoming value in the individual storage unit, the asynchronous parity computation manager is operative to compute parity data corresponding to the incoming data portion and to other data portions which are associated with the incoming data portion and to store the parity data; and (b) a post-loss data recovery manager operative to recover lost data including determining whether at least one parity value associated with at least one data portion within said lost data is not current and, for at least one non-current parity, using inf

Abstract: A storage system assigns one or more large disks in a storage enclosure as a common dedicated hot spare that is used by multiple RAID groups. Storage space equivalent to the smallest physical disk in a RAID group is allocated on the common dedicated hot spare. A mapping of this allocated storage space to the RAID group is maintained in nonvolatile memory. When a disk fails in the RAID group, the allocated storage space on the common dedicated hot spare receives a rebuild of the failed disk. Once the rebuild is complete, the allocated storage space acts as part of the RAID group. When the failed disk is replaced, the data on the allocated storage space is copied to the replacement disk. Once the copy is complete, the allocated storage space is once again set to act as a dedicated hot spare to the RAID group.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide a media controller that performs error correction on data read from a solid-state media. The media controller receives a read operation from a host device to read one or more given read units of the solid-state media. The media controller reads the data for the corresponding read units from the solid-state media employing initial values for one or more read threshold voltages. Only if a disparity between an actual number of bits at a given logic level included in the read data and an expected number of bits at the given logic level included in the read data has not reached a predetermined threshold, the media controller decodes the read data and provides the decoded data to the host device.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for intercepting Input/Outputs (IOs) sent to a second storage medium in a storage array via a splitter in the storage array, redirecting read IOs to a first storage medium, and redirecting writes to the first storage medium and a Data Protection appliance.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a controller that provides individual network accessibility to a storage drive. The controller may include a first connector operative to couple with a storage-drive connector, a second connector operative to couple with a backplane connector of a multi-storage-drive chassis, memory, and processor. The controller may convert communication received through the first connector into an Ethernet protocol for output through the second connector, and convert communication received through the second connector into a storage-drive protocol for output through the first connector. A physical shape of the controller may fit adjacent to the storage-drive connector and occupy less space than is bounded by peripheral edges of an end of a separate housing of a storage drive coupled to the storage-drive connector. The controller may manage power provided to the storage drive and may coordinate with other controllers to manage power-up sequences of multiple storage drives.

Abstract: The present invention is related to systems and methods for harmonizing testing and using a storage media. As an example, a data system is set forth that includes: a data decoder circuit, a data processing circuit, and a write circuit. The data decoder circuit is configured to decode a test data set to yield a result. The data processing circuit is configured to encode a user data set guided by the result to yield a codeword. The write circuit is configured to store an information set corresponding to the codeword to a storage medium.

Abstract: A fault masking method is applied to a non-volatile memory array which includes a faulty cell and electrically connected to an address register providing a first address. The faulty cell can only output a fixed value. The content of the first address is not equal to the fixed value. The method includes: providing a complementer electrically connected between the address register and the faulty cell; providing a control word; writing the first address and the control word into the complementer; performing a complement operation on the first address and the control word by the complementer to obtain a second address, and storing the content of the second address into the faulty cell, wherein the content of the second address is equal to the fixed value. The method can reduce or eliminate the usage of redundancy in non-volatile memories, so as to reduce the manufacturing costs and improve the fabrication yield.

Abstract: A storage processor isolates and classifies file system faults and inconsistencies to produce a fault tree for inline error recovery. The storage processor isolates the metadata objects or objects that have internal inconsistencies, the storage processor creates a fault tree to map the file system; or portion of the file system with the errors or inconsistencies and the metadata objects dependent upon those objects. Once the fault having been mapped, determine the complexity of recovering the branch of the fault tree with the error. If the error is not too complex, performing recovery of the metadata objects online otherwise taking the system offline for file system recovery.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for storing an unsecure data portion within a temporary storage device. An indication of a power failure event within the storage system is received. The unsecure data portion is processed to produce a secure data portion via a processor included within a first controller card included within the storage system. The secure data portion is stored on a persistent storage device via a second controller card.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes, a memory cell array configured to include a plurality of memory cells each having a plurality of logic pages, an error detector configured to detect a recovery target data among the data stored in the memory cell array, and output a logic page information of the recovery target data, a data recoverer configured to recover the recovery target data by using adjustment of a read reference voltage in response to the logic page information of the recovery target data, and a page buffer configured to read the recovery target data output from the memory cell array and write a recovered data output from the data recoverer in the memory cell array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus update an image stored in a memory of a device. A next block writing index n for updating a first target memory block of the memory is determined. Backup data is written to a backup block of the memory when n is an even number. The first target memory block is updated with the new data. The backup data is calculated based on a binary operation between new data corresponding to n and old data stored in a second target memory block corresponding to n+1, and the binary operation has reversibility. If n is the last block writing index, then the binary operation is not used and the backup data is the same as the new data.

Abstract: A method for data protection includes accepting data for storage from one or more data sources (24). The data is sent for storage in a primary storage device (28) and in a secondary storage device (32). While awaiting an indication of successful storage of the data in the secondary storage device, a record associated with the data is temporarily stored in a disaster-proof storage unit (48) adjacent to the primary storage device. When an event damaging at least some of the data in the primary storage device occurs, the data is reconstructed using the record stored in the disaster-proof storage unit and at least part of the data stored in the secondary storage device.

Abstract: A tape drive for exchanging data with a tape cartridge, which has tape media and auxiliary memory that is not tape media, is operable, in response to a boot request from a computer apparatus that is bootable from a kind of initial program load device that is not a tape drive, to read boot data stored on the auxiliary memory and to output the boot data for booting the computer apparatus.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for mitigating adjacent track erasures in hard disks, includes: determining input/output (I/O) characteristics for a plurality of blocks on a hard disk; assigning the plurality of blocks to a plurality of categories of I/O characteristics by the processor; and clustering content of the blocks assigned to the same category in one or more continuous tracks on the hard disk. Each block is assigned to one category. Blocks with similar I/O characteristics are clustered on one or more continuous tracks. By performing this clustering, blocks with a high number of I/O operations are grouped and stored on fewer tracks than if they were scattered across numerous tracks. This reduces the number of tracks experiencing a high number of I/O operations, and in turn, the amount of refreshing of adjacent tracks is reduced.

Abstract: A method includes, in a non-volatile memory that includes multiple memory blocks, defining a redundancy zone that includes at least an old parity block, a new parity block and multiple active blocks of which one block is defined as an open block. Data is stored in the redundancy zone and the stored data is protected, such that new input data is stored in the open block, redundancy information for the active blocks including the open block is stored in the new parity block, and the redundancy information for the active blocks excluding the open block is stored in the old parity block. Upon filling the open block and the new parity block, an alternative block is assigned to serve as the open block and the new parity block is assigned to serve as the old parity block.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for detecting problems related to copyback programming. After the copyback data is read into the internal flash buffer, a part of the copyback data stored in the internal flash buffer (such as spare data) is analyzed to determine whether there are any errors in a part of the copyback data read. The analysis may be used by the flash memory in one or more ways related to the current copyback operation, subsequent copyback operations, subsequent treatment of the data in the current copyback operation, and subsequent treatment of the section in memory associated with the source page.

Abstract: An example method for uninterrupted execution of control software in an aircraft control system includes creating a plurality of static data copies. A first parity bit is determined for each of the plurality of static data copies. A second parity bit is determined for a first static data copy. A parity fault is detected in the first static data copy if the first parity bit does not match the second parity bit. The system switches to read a second static data copy in response to detecting a parity fault in the first static data copy.