Multiple concurrent active file systems

A method of creating plural active file systems, comprising the steps of:

• making a snapshot of a first active file system, the snapshot initially sharing data with the first active file system;
• and
• converting the snapshot to a second active file system by making the snapshot writable, with changes made to the first active file system not reflected in the second active file system, and with changes made to the second active file system not reflected in the first active file system.

A memory storing information including instructions, the instructions executable by a processor to operate data storage, the instructions comprising steps to maintain plural active file systems, wherein each of the active file systems initially access data shared with another of the active file systems, and wherein changes made to each of the active file systems are not reflected in the active file system with which the changed active file system shares the data.

A memory storing information including instructions, the instructions executable by a processor to create plural active file systems, the instructions comprising the steps of:

• making a snapshot of a first active file system, the snapshot initially sharing data with the first active file system;
• and
• converting the snapshot to a second active file system by making the snapshot writable, with changes made to the first active file system not reflected in the second active file system, and with changes made to the second active file system not reflected in the first active file system.

An apparatus for operating data storage, the apparatus including means for creating plural active file systems and means for maintaining plural active file systems, wherein each of the active file systems initially access data shared with another of the active file systems, and wherein changes made to each of the active file systems are not reflected in the active file system with which the changed active file system shares the data.

An apparatus for creating plural active file systems, comprising:

• means for making a snapshot of a first active file system, the snapshot initially sharing data with the first active file system;
• and
• means for converting the snapshot to a second active file system by making the snapshot writable, with changes made to the first active file system not reflected in the second active file system, and with changes made to the second active file system not reflected in the first active file system.