Patent ID: 7937549
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of automatically keeping a storage subsystem configuration up to date, said method comprising: automatically configuring a storage subsystem and storing a current configuration of said storage subsystem; beginning normal subsystem operation; conducting a library inventory including configuration discovery of hardware included in said storage subsystem responsive to each normal operation triggering event, said configuration discovery collecting information indicating current storage subsystem hardware, comparing configuration discovery results against the stored said current configuration and responsive to said results matching said stored configuration continuing normal subsystem operation; changing hardware on said storage subsystem, said stored current configuration remaining unchanged; continuing normal subsystem operation until the occurrence of a next normal operation triggering event prior to occurrence of a system power-off or full system reset, wherein the normal operation triggering event consists of the occurrence of one of a partial subsystem reset, an accessor re-zero operation, a door-open condition, a door-close condition, beginning a library inventory, entering a subsystem ready state and entering a subsystem not-ready state; conducting a library inventory including configuration discovery responsive to said next normal operation triggering even; determining from said configuration discovery any changes to storage subsystem hardware; configuring said storage subsystem and providing an updated configuration, said updated configuration replacing the stored configuration, said stored configuration being automatically kept up to date free from operator intervention and hidden during normal subsystem operation by said inventory; and continuing normal subsystem operation until a next hardware change and the occurrence of a next operation triggering event, and then returning to conducting a inventory.