Patent ID: 8914596

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of ordering data writes, comprising: a plurality of local storage devices receiving a first plurality of data writes; an entity other than the plurality of local storage devices causing a coordinated and synchronized cycle switch for the plurality of local storage devices wherein the first plurality of data writes are associated with a particular cycle on each local storage device in the plurality of local storage devices and wherein causing a cycle switch sending a first command to each of the plurality of the local storage devices to cause a coordinated and synchronized cycle switch only after determining that all of the plurality of local storage devices are ready to switch; at least some of the plurality of local storage devices receiving a second plurality of writes after initiating the cycle switch wherein all of the second plurality of writes are associated with a cycle different from the particular cycle on each of the plurality of local storage devices; and after completion of the cycle switch, each of the plurality of local storage devices initiating transfer of the first plurality of writes to a corresponding remote storage device.