Patent ID: 9582384
Date: 2017-02-28
CPC Classifications: G06F

Claim:
1. A method of replicating data, the method comprising the steps: providing a first cluster of storage devices that includes a first plurality of storage devices; providing at least one further cluster of storage devices that includes a second plurality of storage devices; replicating data from a host server to all storage devices of the first plurality of storage devices within the first cluster of storage devices; sending a receipt from the first cluster of storage devices to the host server when the data has been replicated to all storage devices of the first plurality of storage devices within the first cluster; sending the data from the first cluster of storage devices to a respective designated storage device of each further cluster of storage devices using an asynchronous approach; the respective designated storage device of each further cluster of storage devices initiating replication of data to all storage devices of the second plurality of storage devices within each further cluster using a synchronous approach; and the designated storage device of each given further cluster of storage devices sending a receipt to the first cluster when the data has been replicated to all storage devices of the second plurality of storage devices within the given further cluster; wherein the first cluster of storage devices is the only cluster of storage devices which is designated as the active cluster and is in direct communication with the host server; wherein each further cluster is passive and not in direct communication with the host server, and is configured to receive data only from the active cluster; and wherein one further cluster of storage devices assumes the role of the active cluster upon failure or incapacity of the active cluster.