SoftWrAP: A lightweight framework for transactional support of storage class memory

—In-memory computing is gaining popularity as a means of sidestepping the performance bottlenecks of block storage operations. However, the volatile nature of DRAM makes these systems vulnerable to system crashes, while the need to continuously refresh massive amounts of passive memoryresident data increases power consumption. Emerging storageclass memory (SCM) technologies combine fast DRAM-like cache-line access granularity with the persistence of storage devices like disks or SSDs, resulting in potential 10x - 100x performance gains, and low passive power consumption. This unification of storage and memory into a single directlyaccessible persistent tier raises significant reliability and programmability challenges. In this paper, we present SoftWrAP, an open-source framework for Software based Write-Aside Persistence. SoftWrAP provides lightweight atomicity and durability for SCM storage transactions, while ensuring fast paths to data in processor caches, DRAM, and persistent m...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2015
• Where: MSS
• Authors: Ellis Giles, Kshitij Doshi, Peter J. Varman
• Keywords: Hardware, MSS 2015