Abstract: An automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear, and having accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells and with respect to other elements of the automated data storage library; filling at least the frontmost tier of vacant at least selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells in the selectively extracting, placing and transporting step in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, while leaving other tiers vacant. If the frontmost tier is full, a cartridge is placed into the one of the selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells having the factored greatest number of tiers available to place a cartridge.

Abstract: In an automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear, and having accessor(s) configured to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport data storage cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells and with respect to other elements of the automated data storage library; filling at least the frontmost tier of vacant at least selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells in the selectively extracting, placing and transporting step in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, while leaving other tiers vacant. If the frontmost tier is full, a data storage cartridge is placed into the one of the selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells having the factored greatest number of tiers available to place a data storage cartridge.

Abstract: Computer program product to back up deduplicated data to data storage media, the deduplicated data comprising a plurality of data blocks referenced for deduplication. In one embodiment, the existence of multiple references to each of the data blocks is determined; and at least two copies of at least each data block having multiple references thereto is stored, each to a separate data storage media. In another embodiment, the references to each of the data blocks is determined; the total of multiple references is compared to a percentage threshold; and multiple copies are stored for all the data blocks where the percentage threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A data storage system stores logical data object(s), each identified by a logical identifier. A control is configured to assign a unique WORM (Write Once Read Many) identifier to the logical data object, and stores the unique WORM identifier as associated with the logical identifier, in a database maintained by the control so as to be persistent. Data storage is configured to write the logical data object with a header with the unique WORM identifier. The control, in order to allow the logical data object to be accessed externally to the control, requires matching the unique WORM identifier in the header of a logical data object to the unique WORM identifier of the persistent database for the logical object. The unique WORM identifier is formed of a checksum hash value related to nonce fields comprising at least the logical identifier of the logical data object, an incrementing token, and a time stamp.

Abstract: An optical communication serial interface is employed to power up a device from a powered down state to a powered on state. An optical receiver element receives serial optical signals transmitted by at least one optical fiber and converts the received serial optical signals to electrical signals. A low level reception converter detects and decodes the electrical signals to provide data and control words from detected and decoded normal electrical signals for a high level command processor. A power supply maintains low level power to at least the optical receiver element and the low level reception converter of the optical communication serial interface while the device is in the powered down state. The low level reception converter detects a particular abnormal sequence of electrical signals; and in response to detecting the particular abnormal sequence of electrical signals, asserts a control signal to power up the device controllable power supply.

Abstract: In an automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear, and having accessor(s) configured to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells and with respect to other elements of the library. If all tiers of the selected cells except the rearmost tier are full, added cartridges are placed to fill the rearmost tier of an evenly spread selection of the cells.

Abstract: A hybrid data storage system is one which has data storage clusters of different types. In a hybrid data storage system, at least one first data storage cluster is configured to store data and has high data storage capacity; and at least one second data storage cluster is configured to store data and has lower data storage capacity than the first cluster. The data is initially replicated and stored by at least one first and at least one second data storage cluster. The method identifies a portion of the stored initially replicated data of at least one second data storage cluster as “pinned”; continues to store the pinned initially replicated data; and selectively removes non-pinned initially replicated data from the second data storage cluster(s) to account for the capacity difference.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an extended data storage system employs a first data storage and an extended data storage. A first level of metadata is established with respect to data from the using entity, the first level of metadata is provided in the first data storage. The data from the using entity is stored in the extended data storage. A second level of metadata at least describing the data as stored in the extended data storage is also established, wherein the second level of metadata associated with the first level of metadata for the stored data. The first level of metadata is made accessible to the using entity at the first data storage; and the second level of metadata is made unavailable to the using entity. Thus, the data is stored in the extended data storage and a small amount of metadata is stored in the first data storage.

Abstract: Methods, controllers for data storage, data storage systems, and computer program products are directed to migrating data after the initial placement of the data in data storage entities having higher speed and in other data storage. Steps of a method to migrate data to the higher speed data storage are (1) identifying at least one group of data having had at least one I/O activity in each of a plurality of intervals of time, occurring over a string of multiple intervals of time, wherein the I/O activity is with respect to the other data storage from which data is to be migrated. The time for each of the multiple intervals is selected such that bursts of the I/O activity are likely to be contained in one interval. (2) The identified group of data is classified to the higher speed data storage and migrated.

Abstract: A plurality of fuses are arranged in pairs and configured such that each pair of fuses represents a data bit when one fuse of the pair is blown; represents an un-programmed bit when no fuse of the pair is blown; and represents a zero-ized bit when both fuses of the pair are blown. A fuse programming system programs the fuses of the pairs such that each pair represents a bit, comprising blowing a first fuse of a pair to represent a “1” bit, blowing a second fuse of a pair to represent a “0” bit, and blowing both fuses of a pair to represent a zero-ized pair, whereby if neither fuse of a pair is blown represents a null, un-programmed bit.

Abstract: Control of the encryption of data for storage with respect to removable data storage cartridges having a recording media and having cartridge memory with at least a portion lockable to read-only, employs the steps of inspecting the read-only portion of the cartridge memory of the removable data storage cartridge for an “Encrypt-Only” flag. If the “Encrypt-Only” flag is present, writes to the recording media of the removable data storage cartridge are limited to data in an encrypted format, if any; and, else, writes to the recording media of the removable data storage cartridge are allowed for data in any of encrypted and unencrypted formats.

Abstract: An alternative time interval is taken of a timing based servo band to determine lateral position of a servo read head. The servo band is arranged in a sequence bursts with non-parallel servo stripes in sequentially adjacent sub-frames of a linear tape. The timing intervals comprise at least a first time interval (A) between a first pair of non-parallel servo stripes of a sub-frame; and an alternative time interval (C) between a pair of non-parallel servo stripes intermediate the first time intervals (A), the alternative interval servo stripes of sequentially adjacent sub-frames comprising a second servo stripe of the first pair, and a first servo stripe of a sequentially succeeding first pair. Position signals are ratios involving the first and second time intervals.

Abstract: A storage slot for removably holding and aligning data storage cartridges of differing dimensions. Two bowed leaf springs are positioned within the storage slot, at two side walls and opposite from, respectively, two opposite side walls. The bowed leaf springs extend in a direction parallel to a direction of insertion and withdrawal of a data storage cartridge, and are fixed at the end closest to the opening. A bowed portion of each bowed leaf spring forms a ramp surface towards the opening and towards a corresponding opposite side wall. The bowed leaf springs are located a distance from the corresponding opposite side wall to form an interference fit with the smallest dimensioned data storage. The bowed leaf springs thus provide compression toward a data storage cartridge, to hold and align the data storage cartridge against the opposite side wall.

Abstract: The method employs a servo system for positioning a head laterally to follow lateral motion of a longitudinal tape having longitudinal defined servo track(s), the servo system comprising a servo element configured to sense lateral position of the head with respect to an acquired servo track, a fine actuator configured to translate the head laterally with respect to the longitudinal tape, and a position error signal loop to operate the fine actuator to translate the head laterally to reduce position error. If the servo element is positioned away from the defined servo track(s), a continuous position error offset signal is applied to the fine actuator in a direction towards the defined servo track(s), whereby the fine actuator translates the head in accordance with the continuous position error offset signal; and, in response to the servo system acquiring the defined servo track(s), the continuous position error offset signal is discontinued.

Abstract: In an automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear; having a plurality of single cartridge storage slots; and having accessor(s) configured to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport data storage cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells and the storage slots, and with respect to other elements of the automated data storage library; and, if a data storage cartridge is recently used by and is to be demounted from a selected other element of the automated data storage library: first, extracting another data storage cartridge from the storage slots, vacating one of the storage slots; and second, extracting, transporting and placing the demounted data storage cartridge in the vacated storage slot.

Abstract: A non-volatile redundant verifiable indication of data storage status is provided with respect to data storage operations conducted with respect to removable data storage media, and store the indication with an auxiliary non-volatile memory of the data storage media, such that the indication stays with the media. At least one state value indicating the status of the data storage operation is written to one page of the auxiliary non-volatile memory, and a redundancy check is provided with respect to at least the written state value of the one page of the auxiliary non-volatile memory; and the same state value is written to a second page of the auxiliary non-volatile memory, and a redundancy check is provided with respect to at least the written state value of the second page of the auxiliary non-volatile memory. The redundancy checks indicate the validity of the state values.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape drive having a servo read system with at least one read head, the system configured to read servo pattern information as a magnetic tape is moved longitudinally with respect to the at least one read head, the servo pattern comprising a timing-based servo pattern comprising an even number of bursts of sloped magnetic stripes, adjacent bursts oppositely sloped, alternate bursts identically sloped, an embodiment of a method determines the time between detection from the read head of a same stripe of alternate bursts of a pattern; determines the time between detection from the read head of stripes of a burst of a pattern; and determines a ratio of the determined times. The ratio is compared to a threshold, wherein the threshold comprises a differentiation between different servo pattern types.

Abstract: Methods and systems back up deduplicated data to data storage media, the deduplicated data comprising a plurality of data blocks referenced for deduplication. In one embodiment, the existence of multiple references to each of the data blocks is determined; and at least two copies of at least each data block having multiple references thereto is stored, each to a separate data storage media. In another embodiment, the references to each of the data blocks is determined; the total of multiple references is compared to a percentage threshold; and multiple copies are stored for all the data blocks where the percentage threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge comprises data storage media configured to store data for read and/or write access, wherein the data may be arranged in a plurality of partitions; and a plurality of cartridge memories. A control system, for example of a data storage drive, is configured to allocate at least portions of capacity of the data storage media to cartridge memories of the data storage cartridge; and to provide information defining the allocated portions of capacity to the cartridge memories. Each of the cartridge memories may have a separate user and thus provide access for that user to separate partitions.

Abstract: Where a tape is subject to lateral shift excursions from one side of a head to another, a coarse actuator is positioned laterally to enable a fine actuator to follow lateral motion of a longitudinal tape having at least one longitudinal defined servo track. A position error signal loop is configured to sense servo sensor(s) and to determine position error between the head and a desired position related to the defined servo track(s). A servo control senses the lateral shift excursion of the defined servo track(s); determines a maximum positive peak and a maximum negative peak of the lateral shift excursion; and positions the coarse actuator substantially at a midpoint of the maximum positive peak and the maximum negative peak of lateral shift excursion of the defined servo track(s). Thus, the fine actuator follows the lateral shift excursion, while the coarse actuator remains at the midpoint.