A distributed
data storage system and method comprising a highly integrated
mass storage controller
system permitting
distributed management and control of data storage is disclosed. The present invention in some preferred embodiments permits
mass storage media to be made available on a network in a fashion to permit global access, while automatically handling many high-level file access and
data integrity / security / control functions normally associated with a host
operating system. This integration and redistribution of functionality permits spatial diversification of
data resources, automatic mirroring of data, fault isolation,
data security, and a plethora of other control functions to be integrated into the
mass storage device. This integration permits peer-to-
peer communication between
mass storage devices to both unburden the host data consumers but also isolate the
data management functions from the data presentation functions normally associated with host systems. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention as applied to specific preferred
system contexts include but are not limited to distributed data storage in a networked environment, brokered
data access metering,
database access / control, data
backup, journaling, checkpointing, and automated
software distribution.