Abstract: A method of handling eject requests of logical volumes received by a data storage subsystem from a host system. The method, implemented in computer readable program code, first places identified logical volumes in scratch categories. An eject request is received from a host system, to eject a logical volume from the data storage subsystem. The method responds to the eject request to determine whether the requested logical volume is in a scratch category; if the requested logical volume is determined as to be in a scratch category, a virtual media server is notified that the requested logical volume is deletable, and the virtual media server determines from its database whether the status of the requested logical volume allows deletion thereof. If the virtual media server status determining step allows deletion of the requested logical volume, the requested logical volume is deleted from both the virtual media server database and the library manager database.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and frame format for allowing the conclusive determination of whether the devices are connected correctly is disclosed. The invention sends a first configuration message to a library manager from a device, the first configuration message including a device address and a serial number associated with the device address, forwards to a control unit from a library manager a second configuration message, the second configuration message including position information for the device and a serial number associated with the device, forwards to the control unit from the device a third configuration message, the third configuration message including position information for the device and a serial number associated with the device and compares at the control unit the second and third configuration messages to determine whether the device and the library manager are configured correctly.

Abstract: A data storage system provides a method and apparatus for preserving consistency between a database back-up and a set of storage volumes. The system includes a storage manager, or storage controller, interconnected to a plurality of storage volumes, a drive, and a database storage. The storage manager receives data files from an attached data processing unit. The storage manager directs the data files such that the files are written to a selected storage volume loaded into the drive. The storage manager maintains reference information and storage volume location information for each data file in the database storage. The storage manager detects a volume full condition when the storage media approaches a predetermined position prior to the physical end of the volume. The storage manager generates a back-up copy of the current database, transfers the database back-up to the drive, and directs the drive to write the database back-up onto the selected storage volume.

Abstract: In an automated virtual storage and retrieval library, a method for creating a new inventory of physical media volumes (cartridges) and of related logical volumes stored on the physical media, which method exports the existing logical volume records from a stored table to a file via a data base program, deletes the existing physical and logical volume records from the table, then imports the logical volume records from the file via the data base program into a new table, operates the library accessor to scan all the library cells to read the labels of all the physical media volumes (cartridges) in the cells, inserting physical volume records therefor into the stored table, and indicates to a host that the library is online. The copies of only the inserted physical volume records are uploaded to the host, providing a dramatic savings in processing time before the library is available for normal accessing.

Abstract: Virtual data storage cartridges are created on a data storage subsystem to/from which volume writes and reads are directed. When a number of data volumes have been written, the controller may migrate them to the tape drive, a much faster process than writing directly to tape and enabling multiple logical volumes to be written to a single physical tape. With the present invention, virtual scratch cartridges are virtually premounted in a virtual drive loader while the virtual drive is accessing another virtual cartridge. When the host calls for a new scratch cartridge, it can be mounted in the virtual drive almost immediately, having already been virtually pre-loaded.

Abstract: A method and system for reclaiming stacked volumes within a peripheral data storage subsystem is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system of the present invention, a database is interrogated to determine whether or not an opportunistic reclaim threshold of a stacked volume has been reached after a service request from a host computer has been performed on a stacked volume and while the stacked volume is still mounted. If the opportunistic reclaim threshold of the stacked volume has not been reached, the stacked volume is released and dismounted. However, if the reclaim threshold of the stacked volume has been reached, another determination is made as to whether or not a service request for the host computer is pending. If the host computer requires service, the stacked volume is again released and dismounted. Otherwise, if the host computer does not require service, at least one data set from the mounted stacked volume is opportunistically reclaimed while the stacked volume is still mounted.

Abstract: When an automated data storage library includes the capability of storing and accessing more than one media type, it is necessary for the library manager to keep track of what media type is associated with each volume serial number ("VOLSER"), and where each is physically located in the library. For efficiency, VOLSERs will be grouped in sequential ranges, each range associated with a single media type (although a particular media type can be associated with different, non-contiguous ranges). When the number of VOLSERs and ranges is small, new ranges can be easily added, and existing ranges can be easily deleted or modified, manually by a system administrator. However, when the number of VOLSERs and ranges becomes large, it becomes burdensome for the administrator to track the VOLSER ranges and media types. An automated VOLSER range management system is provided which detects whether a new or modified range overlaps or is adjacent to an existing range with the same media type.

Abstract: An operator to host communications interface for managing a manual data storage library. A host processor controls Peripheral Data Storage Devices (PDSDs) in the library. Displayed operator interaction fields are presented by a graphical user interface on the screen of a display device connected to a library manager controller. Library manager program code loaded in program memory in the library manager controller is provided with interface logic, for communicating with external devices, as well as the PDSDs through the host processor. The operator communications interface is an integral component of the library and thus may be used for: alerting an operator of the need to mount or demount a particular data medium; alerting an operator with coherent and succinct messages thus improving the quality of messages provided to operators; and alerting an operator with a minimum number of messages.