MULTI-PROTOCOL DATA STORAGE DEVICE REALIZING INTEGRATED SUPPORT OF FILE ACCESS AND BLOCK ACCESS PROTOCOLS Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC G06F12/08 

FIELD: data storage systems, in particular, multi-protocol data storage devices.

SUBSTANCE: multi-protocol data storage device, providing access to information recorded in storage units, using file access or block access protocols for systems with topology of storage unit connected to network (NAS) and systems with data storage network topology (SAN), contains operation system of data storage devices, supporting a file system, which interacts with virtualization modules, and as a result data storage space provided by storage units is virtualized, data storage space being meant for storage of information in compliance with method common for requests of file access and block access protocols. File system realizes volume control and usage of volumes for block access to information stored in devices. Virtualization systems makes it possible to logically organize information in file system in form of storage objects like named files, directories and virtual drives, providing for realization of integrated storage approach, common for NAS and SAN, by providing file access to files and directories and, simultaneously, block access to virtual drives.

EFFECT: increased efficiency.

4 cl, 4 dwg