Patent ID: 8407396
Filing Date: 2013-03-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A processor-based method of providing block data access for an operating system, comprising: allocating a portion of solid-state memory of a data processing arrangement for use as a block storage device; creating a block device interface that provides access to the portion of solid-state memory via firmware of the data processing arrangement, the block device interface emulating a certain removable electro-mechanical data-storage device accessible to the operating system; storing in the portion of the solid-state memory, software delivered on the certain removable electro-mechanical data-storage device; wherein the allocating, creating, and storing are performed prior to loading of the operating system; presenting the block device interface to a loader of the operating system; wherein the presenting includes providing a device path of the block device interface and handle of the block device to the loader of the operating system; beginning to load the operating system using the block device interface; and accessing the block device interface during boot time and during run-time by the operating system using the block device driver with the handle of the block device and the path of the block device interface.