Patent ID: 6925525

Claim:
A data storage management method for use with a plurality of physical data storage devices including first and second physical data storage devices of different types and a plurality of computers including first and second computers, wherein the first and second computers generate allocation requests requesting allocation of data storage space on the physical data storage devices, the method comprising: providing an interim data storage device which acts as a virtual data storage device to the first and second physical data storage devices of different types; and providing a data storage manager in communication with the interim data storage device, the first and second computers, and the first and second physical data storage devices, the data storage manager operative to assign a first portion of the interim data storage device to the first computer for a time duration in lieu of the first physical data storage device upon receipt of an allocation request from the first computer requesting allocation of data storage space on the first physical data storage device, and to assign a second portion of the interim data storage device different than the first portion to the second computer for a time duration in lieu of the second physical data storage device upon receipt of an allocation request, during the time duration in which the first portion of the interim data storage device is assigned to the first computer, from the second computer requesting allocation of data storage space on the second physical data storage device so that the first and second computers are provided simultaneous access to the interim data storage device, and the first and second physical data storage devices are free from monopolization by the first and second computers.