Patent ID: 8180838
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for efficiently managing a modular data storage system which stores a plurality of data objects, the method comprising: an act of determining that a first plurality of containers is available for storing a plurality of data objects, wherein the plurality of data objects comprises e-mail messages, and wherein the number and identity of the plurality of data objects is subject to change; an act of defining a previous set of one or more location maps associated with the data storage system, wherein the previous set of one or more location maps deterministically maps the plurality of data objects to a corresponding one or more containers of the first plurality of containers; an act of using the previous set of one or more location maps to store at least some of the plurality of data objects in respective containers of the first plurality of containers; an act of determining that there has been or is to be a change in the availability of containers of the first plurality of containers to a subsequent second plurality of containers that is available for storing the plurality of data objects; an act of defining a second location map associated with the data storage system, wherein the second location map deterministically maps the plurality of data objects to a corresponding one or more containers of the second plurality of containers, wherein the second plurality of containers may, but need not, at least partially overlap the first plurality of containers such that one or more containers may be members of both the first and second plurality of containers; an act of using the second location map to store at least some of the plurality of data objects in respective containers of the second plurality of containers; and an act of searching for at least one data object stored in the first or second plurality of containers, comprising: