Patent ID: 7418623
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method to reconfigure a storage array, comprising the steps of: supplying a data storage and retrieval system comprising (N) data storage device assemblies, wherein each of said (N) data storage device assemblies comprises (M) data storage devices, wherein (N) is greater than or equal to 2, and wherein (M) is greater than or equal to 2; configuring said (N) data storage device assemblies to comprise a spare data storage device assembly, and a first storage array comprising (N−1) data storage device assemblies; detecting a failed data storage device, wherein said failed data storage device is disposed in a (j)th data storage device assembly, wherein said first storage array comprises said (j)th data storage device assembly; writing first data to said first storage array before detecting said failed data storage device; forming a second storage array comprising said first storage array, except said failed data storage device, in combination with a first data storage device disposed in said spare data storage device assembly; rebuilding on said first data storage device first data written to said failed data storage device; writing second data to said second storage array: copying first data and second data written to each operative data storage device disposed in said (i)th data storage device assembly to a different data storage device, other than said first data storage device, disposed in said spare data storage device assembly; forming a third storage array comprising said first storage array, except said (j)th data storage device assembly, in combination with said spare data storage device assembly; removing said (j)th data storage device assembly from said data storage and retrieval system; operative if said failed data storage device can be repaired, repairing said (j)th data storage device assembly by repairing said failed data storage device; operative if said failed data storage device cannot be repaired; providing a replacement data storage device; repairing said (j)th data storage device assembly by replacing said failed data storage device with said replacement data storage device.