Storage performance optimization

Abstract

A system and method for enhancing data throughput in data warehousing environments by connecting multiple servers having local storages with designated external storage systems, such as, for example, those provided by SANs. The system and method may preserve a full reference copy of the data in a protected environment (e.g., on the external storage system) that is fully available. The system and method may enhance overall I/O potential performance and reliability for efficient and reliable system resource utilization.

1 . A database system comprising:
 an external storage system that holds a complete copy of the database;   a first database server remote from the external storage system;   a first local electronic storage that is local to the first database server, the first local electronic storage holding at least a first portion of the database;   a second database server remote from the external storage system;   a second local electronic storage that is local to the second database server, the second local electronic storage holding at least a second portion of the database,   wherein the complete copy of the database held on the external storage system operates as a backup for data in the database that is included in one or both of the first portion of the database and/or the second portion of the database.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the external storage system comprises a Storage Area Network. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the addition of data to the copy of the database held on the external storage system operates simultaneously as the commitment and backup of data to the database. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the addition of data to the copy of the database held on the external storage system operates in parallel with the writing of the data to the local electronic storage 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the data within the database is organized into blocks to facilitate disaster recovery on one or both of the first local electronic storage and/or the second electronic storage.