Storage management system for concurrent generation and fair allocation of disk space among competing requests

摘要

A computer storage management system responds to a recognition of an insufficiency of disk storage space available by converting inefficiently used storage space to efficiently used space and free space. The management system controls allocation of storage space to storage space consumers pursuant to an allocation ordering scheme which ensures fairness of storage space consumption among competing consumers. Generation of free storage space and allocation of space are substantially concurrent events, creating a continuous flow of space generation and space consumption. Storage space is consistently kept and used in an efficient manner, and competing processes are allocated storage space fairly and effectively.