Patent ID: 7363431

Claim:
A method for synchronizing a plurality of endpoints in a data storage system at a first synchronization point, the method comprising: performing, by a first endpoint, a synchronization start operation wherein a first message is sent from said first endpoint to one or more other endpoints in the data storage system, said first message including a first key value corresponding to said first synchronization point representing a current processing state of said first endpoint; determining, by said first endpoint, a timeout period; determining, by said first endpoint using processing state information as reported to said first endpoint by other endpoints, whether synchronization with a selected portion of said one or more other endpoints at said first synchronization point has been accomplished within said timeout period; and if said first endpoint determines that synchronization has not been accomplished within said timeout period, sending a second message to said one or more other endpoints indicating that said first endpoint is at another synchronization point different from said first synchronization point, wherein said first endpoint proceeds to a processing point beyond said first synchronization point prior to said timeout period expiring if said selected portion of said endpoints reaches said first synchronization point prior to said timeout period expiring.