Multiple Array Management Functions (AMFs) are connected to multiple
redundancy groups over a storage area network (SAN), such as a
fiber-channel based SAN. The multiple AMFs share management
responsibility of the redundancy groups, each of which typically includes
multiple resources spread over multiple disks. The AMFs provide
concurrent access to the redundancy groups for associated host systems.
When a host requests an AMF to perform an operation on a resource, the
AMF synchronizes with the other AMFs sharing control of the redundancy
group that includes the resource to be operated on, so as to obtain
access to the resource. While performing the operation, the AMF send
replication data and state information associated with the resource such
that if the AMF fails, any of the other AMFs are able to complete the
operation and maintain data reliability and coherency.