System having device driver operates in first mode for allowing concurrent access to adapter by applications and second mode for limiting access to one application

An information handling system, comprising:

• at least two terminals;
• a multi-node switch;
• and
• a communications means coupled to the at least two terminals and to the multi-node switch for communicating information between at least two terminals in the information handling system;
• wherein each of the terminals comprises:
• a processor, for processing information to be communicated between the terminals;
• storage means for storing information to be processed and communicated;
• an operating system for controlling the operation of the terminal;
• at least one application operating on the processor under control of the operating system;
• a device driver having at least two modes of operation, a first mode of operation of the device driver allowing concurrent access to an adapter controlled by the device driver by one or more applications, and a second mode of operation of the device driver which limits access to the controlled adapter to one application;
• and
• a communications adapter controlled by the device driver;
• each device driver further comprising:
• means for testing a request for access to the communications adapter to determine if such request is for a first mode or a second mode of operation;
• means for setting a mode indicator to a second state if the second mode of operation is indicated;
• means for blocking access by other applications if the second mode of operation has been detected.