Synchronously replicating datasets and other managed objects to cloud-based storage systems

A method of synchronously replicating a dataset across a plurality of storage systems, the method comprising:

• attaching, by the plurality of storage systems, to a pod, wherein the pod includes the dataset, a set of managed objects and management operations, a set of access operations to modify or read the dataset, and a plurality of member storage systems, and wherein:
• management operations modify or query managed objects equivalently through any of the member storage systems,
• access operations to read or modify the dataset operate equivalently through any of the member storage systems,
• each member storage system stores a separate copy of the dataset as a proper subset of a plurality of datasets stored and advertised for use by the storage system, and
• operations that modify managed objects or the dataset, performed and completed through any one member storage system, are reflected in subsequent management objects to query the pod or subsequent access operations to read the dataset.

An apparatus for synchronously replicating a dataset across a plurality of storage systems, the apparatus comprising a computer processor, a computer memory operatively coupled to the computer processor, the computer memory having disposed within it computer program instructions that, when executed by the computer processor, cause the apparatus to carry out the steps of:

• attaching to a pod, wherein the pod includes the dataset, a set of managed objects and management operations, a set of access operations to modify or read the dataset, and a plurality of member storage systems, and wherein:
• management operations modify or query managed objects equivalently through any of the member storage systems,
• access operations to read or modify the dataset operate equivalently through any of the member storage systems,
• each member storage system stores a separate copy of the dataset as a proper subset of a plurality of datasets stored and advertised for use by the storage system, and
• operations that modify managed objects or the dataset performed and completed through any one member storage system, are reflected in subsequent management objects to query the pod or subsequent access operations to read the dataset.