Patent ID: 8549104

Claim:
A method for managing access to a resource, the method performed by a server having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors so as to perform the method, the method comprising: initializing the server including initializing a resource table configured to store entries corresponding to requests to access respective resources in the server; receiving at the server a request from a client to access a particular resource on the server, wherein the client and server are distinct systems interconnected by a communications network, and wherein the request to access the particular resource is distinct from a request for a lock on the particular resource; after receiving the request to access the particular resource, determining that since initializing the server, the server has not received a prior request to access the particular resource; and in response to the request to access the particular resource and a positive result from the determining, returning a provisional rejection of the request to access the particular resource to the client, requiring the client to verify that it holds a lock on the particular resource, wherein the provisional rejection is returned independent of whether the client holds the lock on the particular resource.