Abstract: A method for reclassifying stored objects without the need to re-access or evaluate directly such objects comprises receiving an object to be stored in a storage system and then associating metadata with the object. The metadata is then stored in a data storage system. The metadata is subsequently used to create a plurality of classification recommendations associated with the object. A storage system implementing the methods of the invention includes one or more physical storage means and a controller that executes one or more steps of the invention.

Abstract: An automated modular storage library is formed by a plurality of available library elements. Each available library element is selected from a predetermined limited subset of library elements made available for library assembly. This creates a library that is modular by restricting the library elements used during assembly to the limited subset of library elements. According to a partial audit principle, an area where an intervention is to be performed may be physically separated prior to the intervention. After the intervention, the partial audit is conducted in a separated area where the intervention occurred, as the remainder of the library was protected during the intervention by the physical separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible storage system through the use of portable, removable canisters holding multiple storage subsystems.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for continuously writing new data to a redundant array of independent storage devices without interrupting the writing of new data to the array to reconstruct missing data from a failed device or failed media is disclosed. A fault-tolerance scheme using multiple independent parity values is used to record data to the array. In the event that one of the volumes in the array fails, the remaining volumes continue being written to, but with fewer data or parity values being employed. The failed volume can then be reconstructed following the completion of writing the media set currently being written.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible storage system through the use of portable, removable canisters holding multiple storage subsystems.

Abstract: A method, system and program for generating parity in a data storage system are provided. The invention comprises organizing an incoming data block into a specified number of data stripes and cascading the data stripes into a parity creation mechanism. The parity creation mechanism creates a specified number of parity stripes based on the data stripes, wherein the number of parity stripes is independent of the size of the data block. The parity creation mechanism can operate offline to reconstruct lost data stripes and parity stripes without using critical system resources, wherein the number of devices required for stripe reconstruction is less than the combined number of data stripes and parity stripes.

Abstract: An automated storage system includes a media storage facility, which may take the form of an automated storage library or shelf system. The media storage facility includes a plurality of individual medium slots and a plurality of superset slots. The facility further includes at least one mechanism for accessing individual media and at least one mechanism for accessing supersets of media. Individual media located in a superset remain accessible on an individual basis in addition to being accessible as part of the corresponding superset.

Abstract: A method, system and program for generating parity in a data storage system are provided. The invention comprises organizing an incoming data block into a specified number of data stripes and cascading the data stripes into a parity creation mechanism. The parity creation mechanism creates a specified number of parity stripes based on the data stripes, wherein the number of parity stripes is independent of the size of the data block. The parity creation mechanism can operate offline to reconstruct lost data stripes and parity stripes without using critical system resources, wherein the number of devices required for stripe reconstruction is less than the combined number of data stripes and parity stripes.

Abstract: A data storage system for remote access to stored data. The innovative system uses a storage library to contain magnetic hard disks and automatically replaces the hard disks upon failure, without human intervention. Failed disks are removed from the library by a robot, deposited from the library, upon which time they are further processed for delivery to the manufacturer, or for disposal. Replacement disk drives are accessed by the robot from within the library to replace the removed storage element. The system's robot is not only moving individual storage elements, but also of moving the access cables connecting the storage elements to the external network. Using this capability, the number of access cables is reduced without requiring added human intervention.

Abstract: A data storage system for remote access to stored data. The innovative system uses a storage library to contain magnetic hard disks (for example) and automatically replaces the hard disks upon failure, without human intervention. Failed disks are removed from the library by a robot, deposited from the library, upon which time they are further processed for delivery to the manufacturer, for example, or for disposal. Replacement disk drives are accessed by the robot from within the library to replace the removed storage element. The system's robot is capable of not only moving individual storage elements, but also of moving the access cables connecting the storage elements to the external network. Using this capability, the number of access cables is reduced without requiring added human intervention.