Patent ID: 7409523
Filing Date: 2008-08-05
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. At least one computer storage medium for implementing a method for online shrinking of a volume, the at least one computer storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed at a processor, perform steps of the method, including: accessing volume information for a volume, the volume information indicating that the volume is between a first boundary and a second boundary on a computer storage medium, the first boundary and second boundary defining the size of the volume; receiving a request to shrink the volume, the request including a shrink boundary that is to be placed between the first boundary and the second boundary on the computer storage medium; restricting allocations such that any new allocation is in an first area of the volume, the first area being the area between the first boundary and shrink boundary; initiating moving volume data from a second area, the second area being the area between the shrink boundary and the second boundary, to the first area to create a shrink region between the shrink boundary and the second boundary, the shrink region representing freed up space that can be used for a new volume on the computer storage medium; receiving a request for a new allocation subsequent to initiating and during the movement of volume data from the second area to the first area; allowing the new allocation request to a location only in the first area during and in parallel with the movement of volume data from the second area to the first area; and committing the shrink when no volume data remains within the second area.