Storage system having virtualized resource

A method for managing a storage system having first and second storage devices and a first server, the method comprising:

• providing a database including information relating to one or more data-storage-related functions that the first and second storage devices are configured to provide;
• receiving at the first server a request relating to a data-storage-related function from a host computer, the request involving at least one of the first and second storage devices;
• determining whether or not the at least one of the first and second storage device is able to perform the request by accessing the database;
• and
• instructing the at least one of the first and second storage device to perform the request if the determination is positive.

A computer readable medium for use in managing a storage system having first and second storage devices and a first server, the medium comprising:

• code for receiving at the first server a request relating to a data-storage-related function from a host computer, the request involving at least one of the first and second storage devices;
• code for determining whether or not the at least one of the first and second storage device is able to perform the request by accessing a database, the database including information relating to one or more data-storage-related functions that the first and second storage devices are configured to provide;
• code instructing the at least one of the first and second storage device to perform the request if the determination is positive;
• and
• code for enabling the first server to perform the request if the determination is negative.

A server for managing a storage system, wherein the server is coupled to first and second storage devices and a host, the server having access to a database including information relating to one or more data-storage-related functions that the first and second storage devices are configured to provide, the server comprising:

• a processor to process information;
• an interface coupled to a network that is coupled to the first and second storage devices and the host;
• and
• a computer readable medium, including:
• code for receiving at the first server a request relating to a data-storage-related function from a host computer, the request involving at least one of the first and second storage devices,
• code for determining whether or not the at least one of the first and second storage device is able to perform the request by accessing the database,
• code instructing the at least one of the first and second storage device to perform the request if the determination is positive, and
• code for enabling the first server to perform the request if the determination is negative.