Patent ID: 7412573
Filing Date: 2008-08-12
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A virtualization device in connection with a storage system, comprising: at least one or more access target virtual volumes that are recognized as access targets for input/output of data from a host device; data storage target logical volumes that store data in respect of said at least one or more access target virtual volumes, and that are dynamically connectable and disconnectable via a mapping table, with said at least one or more access target virtual volumes; and a connection control unit that controls dynamic connection and disconnection mapping of said at least one or more access target virtual volumes with said data storage target logical volumes via entries within the mapping table, to afford connection to differing said data storage target logical volumes using a common access target virtual volume of said at least one or more access target virtual volumes; wherein to effect the dynamic connection and disconnection mapping, said at least one or more access target virtual volumes may each be switched between: a mapped state in which connection mapping correspondence is established with the data storage target logical volumes; and, a not-mapped state in which connection mapping correspondence is not established with the data storage target logical volumes, and wherein said switched operation effects switching between the mapped state and the non-mapped state without movement and relocation of data; wherein said at least one or more access target virtual volumes are recognizable as a volume by the host computer in both said mapped state and said not-mapped state, and respond differently to commands received from the host computer in said mapped state and said not-mapped state, respectively; and, wherein the storage system includes a plurality of storage devices and a storing control device that controls reading and/or writing of data targeted with respect to at least one data storage target logical volume in which mapping correspondence is established.