Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996
Title: Innovations by Steven J Malan
Introduction
Steven J Malan is a notable inventor based in Woodland Park, CO (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of data storage systems, holding a total of 3 patents. His work focuses on improving the efficiency and reliability of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) systems.
Latest Patents
Malan's latest patents include a method and apparatus for the online restoration of a disk in a RAID-4 system. This innovation allows for the restoration of a replacement disk's contents without interrupting concurrent access to the RAID array. When a user application requests access to a data block in the replacement disk, the system regenerates and reconstructs the accessed data block. Additionally, it systematically reconstructs data or parity blocks that have not yet been accessed by locating status bits associated with each data and parity block of the new disk.
Another significant patent by Malan is a method of reducing the complexity of an I/O request to a RAID-4 system. This invention addresses the challenges posed by complex geometric patterns formed by data blocks during I/O requests. By dividing individual I/O requests into at most three requests targeted to data blocks forming a rectangle, the system simplifies the necessary operations. If a data block within a rectangle is unavailable, the request can be further subdivided into smaller, non-overlapping rectangles, allowing for the selection of less complicated operation algorithms to complete the I/O request.
Career Highlights
Malan has worked at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he has been able to apply his innovative ideas to real-world applications. His contributions have significantly impacted the efficiency of data storage systems, making them more reliable and easier to manage.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Malan has collaborated with notable colleagues, including David William Thiel and Robert A Ellis. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and creativity, leading to advancements in technology.
Conclusion
Steven J Malan's work in the field of data storage systems exemplifies the spirit of innovation. His patents have contributed to the advancement of RAID technology, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of data management.