Patent ID: 8176287

Claim:
A memory storing a program of machine-readable instructions executable by at least one processor to perform operations to process a storage volume allocation request, the operations comprising: receiving the storage volume allocation request; selecting a Local Area Network (LAN)-managed storage volume responsive to the storage volume allocation request; opening the LAN-managed storage volume responsive to the storage volume allocation request, the opening triggering a mounting of the LAN-managed storage volume; writing a data block to the LAN-managed storage volume; closing the LAN-managed storage volume in response to writing the data block, the closing triggering a dismounting of the LAN-managed storage volume; saving a position of the LAN-managed storage volume and an indication that the LAN-managed storage volume is empty and LAN-free to a database; transmitting information indicative of the LAN-managed storage volume responsive to the storage volume allocation request; and transmitting application data to the LAN-managed storage volume via at least one storage area network (SAN).