Abstract: A virtual storage server and library manager are configured to avoid a lengthy check-in process for selected physical volumes. In one embodiment, the selected physical volumes are volumes that were in a checked-in state previous to a disaster. Other volumes are checked-in normally. The present invention leverages information within the virtual storage server to efficiently recovery from disasters that destroy state information within the library manager. The improved recovery method, apparatus, and system, reduce the downtime associated with disasters within removable media virtual storage systems.

Abstract: A storage subsystem, method of testing storage media in the storage subsystem and program product therefor. The storage media, e.g., magnetic tape in a physical volume, is inserted into an input area in the storage subsystem, but not loaded into the subsystem library. The media input area on the physical volume is scanned and a test command is queued. The test storage media is moved to a drive for testing. After testing, the storage media is returned to the input area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to recover a construct definition associated with a logical volume in a virtual tape server (VTS) system following a disaster situation involving a library manager database. The method and apparatus re-establish the association between a logical volume or data file or block and a construct definition or volume attribute that assigns certain actions that may be taken on the logical volumes. Such actions and constructs may be defined by a client processor or by the VTS system in order to provide quality storage media management. The constructs may be uploaded to or reconstructed within the library manager database in combination with the host or virtual tape server and consequently made available to the system. In particular, the method and apparatus are configured to recover one or more of a storage group construct, a management class construct, a storage class construct, and a data class construct associated with a logical volume within a VTS system.

Abstract: A storage system or subsystem, method of locating components in the storage system and program product therefor. Storage system components have fiducial marks identifying component location. A sensor is located at an expected fiducial location and a first pass search for the fiducial is conducted along a search path. A second pass search, if needed, begins at a position located, horizontally, between the first pass start position and the system accessor home location.

Abstract: A method to schedule and perform database maintenance, where the database includes information regarding one or more information storage media moveably disposed in a data storage and retrieval system, which includes selecting a first time period, commencing that first time period at a first time and ending that first time period at a third time, performing one or more database queries during that first time period, recording the number of database queries performed during each of the two or more first time intervals, determining the least utilized first time interval where that least utilized first time interval commenced at a second time, calculating a first time difference between the first time and the second time, and scheduling database maintenance at a fourth time. A data storage and retrieval system comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein to implement Applicants' method to schedule and perform database maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for performing an abbreviated calibration of an automated data storage library. An abbreviated calibration apparatus includes a calibration module, a tracking module, and a system availability module. The calibration module calibrates one or more accessors within the library. Calibration refers to the physical relationship between an accessor and a data storage location, such as a shelf, drive, or I/O station. The calibration module may comprise a run-time calibration module, a successive calibration module, or a cooperative calibration module. The tracking module tracks the calibration progress of the accessors. The system availability module notifies a host when the library is available. The library is made available prior to calibration completion of all of the accessors and, in some embodiments, prior to calibration completion of any of the accessors.

Abstract: A method to coordinate requests submitted to a data storage and retrieval system from two or more operator input stations, whereby an initialization request comprising a requested operation is provided at a first time to the data storage and retrieval system. At that first time the method provides a current history of previously-submitted commands to perform the requested operation. The method also generates a request history token at that first time. The first history is displayed to the user. The user then determines if the current history includes the requested operation. If the first history does not include the requested operation, the user at a second time submits a command to perform the requested operation. The method generates at that second time a current history token, and determines if the current history token matches the request history token. If the current history token matches the request history token, then the method performs the requested operation.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for pooling of storage. Volume attributes are assigned to a plurality of physical volumes. Pool attributes are assigned to a plurality of storage pools, wherein the pool attributes include policies for borrowing and returning the plurality of physical volumes to and from the plurality of storage pools. One of the plurality of physical volumes is allocated to one of the plurality of storage pools based on the volume attributes of the one of the plurality of physical volumes and the pool attributes of the one of the plurality of storage pools.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for managing storage units. Storage pool information indicates an assignment of a plurality of storage units to a plurality of storage pools, wherein each pool is assigned zero or more storage units, and wherein data associated with one storage pool is stored in at least one storage unit assigned to the storage pool. User selection is received to move at least one storage unit to a target storage pool. A determination is made of at least one storage unit assigned to a source storage pool to move to the target storage pool. The storage pool information is updated to indicate the determined at least one selected storage unit as assigned to the target storage pool.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for managing storage units. Storage pool information indicates an assignment of a plurality of storage units to a plurality of storage pools, wherein each pool is assigned zero or more storage units, and wherein data associated with one storage pool is stored in at least one storage unit assigned to the storage pool. User selection is received to move at least one storage unit to a target storage pool. A determination is made of at least one storage unit assigned to a source storage pool to move to the target storage pool. The storage pool information is updated to indicate the determined at least one selected storage unit as assigned to the target storage pool.

Abstract: A virtual storage server and library manager are configured to avoid a lengthy check-in process for selected physical volumes. In one embodiment, the selected physical volumes are volumes that were in a checked-in state previous to a disaster. Other volumes are checked-in normally. The present invention leverages information within the virtual storage server to efficiently recovery from disasters that destroy state information within the library manager. The improved recovery method, apparatus, and system, reduce the downtime associated with disasters within removable media virtual storage systems.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for pooling of storage. Volume attributes are assigned to a plurality of physical volumes. Pool attributes are assigned to a plurality of storage pools, wherein the pool attributes include policies for borrowing and returning the plurality of physical volumes to and from the plurality of storage pools. One of the plurality of physical volumes is allocated to one of the plurality of storage pools based on the volume attributes of the one of the plurality of physical volumes and the pool attributes of the one of the plurality of storage pools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to recover a construct definition associated with a logical volume in a virtual tape server (VTS) system following a disaster situation involving a library manager database. The method and apparatus re-establish the association between a logical volume or data file or block and a construct definition or volume attribute that assigns certain actions that may be taken on the logical volumes. Such actions and constructs may be defined by a client processor or by the VTS system in order to provide quality storage media management. The constructs may be uploaded to or reconstructed within the library manager database in combination with the host or virtual tape server and consequently made available to the system. In particular, the method and apparatus are configured to recover one or more of a storage group construct, a management class construct, a storage class construct, and a data class construct associated with a logical volume within a VTS system.

Abstract: A method to coordinate requests submitted to a data storage and retrieval system from one or more operator input stations, whereby an initialization request comprising a requested operation is provided at a first time to the data storage and retrieval system. At that first time the method provides a current history of previously-submitted commands to perform the requested operation. The method also generates a request history token at that first time. The first history is displayed to the user. The user then determines if the current history includes the requested operation. If the first history does not include the requested operation, the user at a second time submits a command to perform the requested operation. The method generates at that second time a current history token, and determines if the current history token matches the request history token. If the current history token matches the request history token, then the method performs the requested operation.

Abstract: A method to schedule and perform database maintenance, where the database includes information regarding one or more information storage media moveably disposed in a data storage and retrieval system, which includes selecting a first time period, commencing that first time period at a first time and ending that first time period at a third time, performing one or more database queries during that first time period, recording the number of database queries performed during each of the two or more first time intervals, determining the least utilized first time interval where that least utilized first time interval commenced at a second time, calculating a first time difference between the first time and the second time, and scheduling database maintenance at a fourth time. A data storage and retrieval system comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein to implement Applicants' method to schedule and perform database maintenance.

Abstract: An automated data storage library, method, and a computer program product manage categories of physical media volumes, which may store stacked logical volumes, in partitions of the library. A media sensor senses the VOLSER identifier of thee physical media volumes at an input station. A library manager is provided, having a computer processor. Upon receipt of a physical media volume at the input station, the library manager receives the sensed VOLSER of the physical media volume; places the physical media volume in an “UNASSIGNED” category of an inventory; and sends a message at an interface to a host system, the message identifying the sensed VOLSER and indicating that the physical media volume has transitioned to the “UNASSIGNED” category.

Abstract: Disclosed are a data storage library and library computer processor implemented methods for expiring logical volumes in response to expiration selection from a host. A library server maintains a mapping database which identifies each logical volume and maps the logical volumes to data storage media. A library manager classifies the host selected expired logical volume in a category of logical volumes having a “SCRATCH” attribute, which may have an expiration delay, and identifies the selected logical volume in a searchable database as comprising the category having the “SCRATCH” attribute, and may calculate an expiration time for the selected logical volume from the delay. The library manager subsequently searches the searchable database for logical volumes identified as comprising a category having the “SCRATCH” attribute, and whose expiration time has passed, providing an indication to the library server that the searched identified logical volumes are expired.

Abstract: An Internet web application interfaces to a machine to give users information about the status of the machine. The information on the status of the machine is constantly changing. This design only dynamically builds a web page when the page is requested for viewing. Once built, the page is retained so that the next time it is requested, if the information it contains has not changed, the page can be served without having to be rebuilt. If the information has changed, the design will not update the page until the page has been requested. In addition, the page is only built in the human language requested.

Abstract: A removable media storage library comprises a plurality of removable media divided into a plurality of sets, each set associated with its own server. A central manager controls access to all of the removable media. Each of the servers and library manager contain database map information. If this information is lost, a selected disaster recovery operation may be implemented. This flexibility in selecting the type of disaster recovery operation allows for an efficient and fast disaster recovery operation.

Abstract: In an automated retrieval library with virtual storage for identifying particular cartridges in the library to protect the data in the virtual volume from overwriting in import and export operations. A convenience input/output station is set to an import mode with export/import virtual tape servers. Possible import cartridges are categorized upon insertion to prevent their access by the host computer. Recovery from erroneous identification is provided.