Methods, apparatus and computer systems that enable hardware module use rights owned by one server to be claimed for use by another server in a common share group

摘要

In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method groups two or more servers in a share group. The method then tracks how many rights to use a particular hardware module type are owned and in use by each of the servers. If a first one of the servers needs to activate an inactive one of the particular hardware module type, but does not own an unused right to use the particular hardware module type, the method then i) requests a second one of the servers to inactivate one of its hardware modules, thereby freeing a right to use the particular hardware module type, and ii) claims the freed right of the second server for use by the first server. Other embodiments are also disclosed.