Patent ID: 7979524

Claim:
A processor-implemented method of disclosing relations between a plurality of entities in support of information technology system visualization and management, comprising: selecting at least one entity of the plurality of entities as an initiator entity of a data path; selecting the data path or a set of data paths; determining an action required to restore flow of data along the data path based on the functional status of the plurality of entities on the data path; analyzing a partial portion of the data path connecting the plurality of entities; rerouting the partial portion of the data path connecting the plurality of entities when a system configuration is incorrect; filtering the data path into a filtered data path that includes a plurality of interconnected entities comprising the initiator entity, at least one fabric entity, and at least one target entity; expanding a view of the fabric entity to include both used and unused ports; limiting a view of the data path to the plurality of interconnected entities directly involved in the filtered data path; displaying the filtered data path of the initiator entity for ease of visualization; reducing a number of entities shown to the user through task based filtering; displaying details required for a task in the view of the data path; and using overlays to display attributes of the filtered data path.