Patent ID: 7328437
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer system for managing a lock, said computer system having a central processor unit and a memory both shared by first and second virtual machines, said computer system comprising: a first program function, executing within said first virtual machine, to acquire an available lock for shared data in said shared memory for said first virtual machine or a second program function executing within said first virtual machine by updating a lock structure in said shared memory, said lock structure listing said first virtual machine or said second program function as a holder of said lock and also listing said second virtual machine or a third program function, executing in said second virtual machine, as waiting for said lock and whether said second virtual machine is idle; responsive to said second program function requesting to release said lock, said first program function reading said lock structure to determine said second virtual machine or said third program function as waiting for said lock and whether said second virtual machine is idle, and