Patent ID: 6493772
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a data storage system that includes a host computer operatively coupled by a controller to a storage device, a method to provide the host computer with a status corresponding to success of a first command, the method comprising the following steps:(a) receiving the first command; (b) defining a first time interval (&Dgr;T1) that does not exceed a predetermined maximum command response time in which said status must be sent to said host computer; (c) distributing to the storage device at least one second command responsive to said first command; (d) monitoring said second command distributed at step (c) to determine a first time status that will be a first success status if said second command completes execution within said &Dgr;T1, and that will be a first failure status if said second command fails to complete execution within said &Dgr;T1; and (e) sending to said host computer the status selected from a group consisting of: (i) data associated with said first command if step (d) determines a first success status; and (ii) a first status if step (d) determines that said first time status is said first failure status.