Patent ID: 8073881
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: generating, via at least one computer system, a logical tree in which each node in the logical tree represents a corresponding one of multiple computers in a cluster having controlled access to a storage resource, the logical tree including: receiving a request for access to the storage resource; and utilizing a set of pointers at multiple tiers in the logical tree to forward the request up the logical tree through at least a portion of the multiple computers in the cluster to the corresponding root computer of the logical tree; wherein utilizing the set of pointers in the logical tree to forward the request to the corresponding root computer includes: the method further comprising: executing a transfer of access rights to the storage resource from the corresponding root computer to the first computer making the request; in response to facilitating the transfer of access rights from the corresponding root computer to the first computer, modifying the logical tree so that the first computer becomes the new root computer in the logical tree; and updating pointer values associated with at least a portion of computers other than the first computer in the cluster such that the updated pointer values point in a direction up the logical tree towards the first computer.