Systems and methods for performing a hot input function
First Claim
1. A method of reducing server downtime in a server network that manages data, the server network comprising one or more interfaces configured to receive at least one peripheral component, the server network including a graphical user interface, the method comprising:
- causing display to a user, using the graphical user interface, of status information for at least one peripheral component for the server network;
receiving one or more instructions on the server network that enable the user to perform a series of steps necessary to execute a hot swap function, at least a portion of the one or more instructions being utilized by a hardware module to control operation of a selected interface; and
resuming operation of the selected interface after the user performs the series of steps necessary to execute the hot swap function;
wherein the acts of causing the display, receiving, and resuming operation cooperate to reduce server downtime in the server network.
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Abstract
A computer software system is disclosed for facilitating a user'"'"'s replacement or insertion of devices in a computer server network system. The system allows a user to swap or add peripheral devices while the system is running, or in a “hot” condition, with little or no user knowledge of how the system carries out the “hot swap” or “hot add” functions. The system, which consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) and associated computer software modules, allows the user to select a desired peripheral device location within a server, and then provides the modular software structure to automatically execute a series of steps in the hot swap or hot add process. Each step is prompted by the user from the GUI, to invoke commands to instruct a network server through its operating system and hardware to suspend the appropriate device adapters, if necessary, power down the desired device slot or canister, allow the user to replace or insert a new device, and finally restart the adapters and the slot power. The system requires very little detailed input from the user other than identifying the particular peripheral device slot within the server to be maintained.
123 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of reducing server downtime in a server network that manages data, the server network comprising one or more interfaces configured to receive at least one peripheral component, the server network including a graphical user interface, the method comprising:
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causing display to a user, using the graphical user interface, of status information for at least one peripheral component for the server network; receiving one or more instructions on the server network that enable the user to perform a series of steps necessary to execute a hot swap function, at least a portion of the one or more instructions being utilized by a hardware module to control operation of a selected interface; and resuming operation of the selected interface after the user performs the series of steps necessary to execute the hot swap function; wherein the acts of causing the display, receiving, and resuming operation cooperate to reduce server downtime in the server network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A server that manages data, the server comprising:
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one or more interfaces configured to receive at least one peripheral component; a network interface in operative communication with a graphical user interface; software configured to, when executed, cause display to a user via the graphical user interface of status information for at least one peripheral component for the server; and one or more processors configured to execute one or more instructions that enable execution of a hot swap function, at least a portion of the one or more instructions configured to be utilized, when executed, by a hardware module to control operation of a selected interface of the one or more interfaces on the server; wherein the software and one or more processors that enable the execution of the hot swap function contribute to reducing downtime of the server. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A server that manages data, the server comprising:
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one or more peripheral interfaces configured to receive at least one peripheral component; a network interface operatively coupled to a graphical user interface for use by a user, the graphical user interface configured to display configuration information for a selected peripheral interface in the server; and software which is configured to, when executed by one or more processors; receive one or more first commands to suspend operation of the selected peripheral interface, the operation of the selected peripheral interface controlled in part by a hardware module; facilitate removal of a first peripheral component from the selected peripheral interface; facilitate insertion of a second peripheral component into the selected peripheral interface; and resume operation at the selected peripheral interface via initiation of one or more second commands; wherein the initiation and resumption cooperate to reduce server downtime by enabling the execution of the removal and insertion without shutting down the server associated with the first and second peripheral components.
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Specification