Patent ID: 6871268
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for managing cached data objects, the method comprising the steps of: storing at least one data object in a central cache; replicating the at least one data object in at least one local cache, the at least one local cache being in communication with the central cache; maintaining, in accordance with the central cache, a directory describing content of the at least one local cache; in response to a change to cached data, the central cache updating at least a portion of content stored thereon and the central cache coordinating an update of at least a portion of content replicated on the at least one local cache using the directory to determine at least one data object in the at least one local cache which should be updated in accordance with the change; and applying a cache replacement policy to the at least one local cache in order to minimize utilization of a resource, wherein the resource is the central cache, and further wherein the cache replacement policy calculates a metric associated with a desirability of caching a data object, the metric being correlated with a product of a frequency with which the data object is accessed and a cost for the central cache to provide the object divided by a size of the data object.