Abstract: A storage area network associated data library partitioning system comprises a plurality of storage element slots adapted to store data storage media, at least one set of at least one of the slots is assigned to one partition of a plurality of partitions, a plurality of data transfer elements that are adapted to receive the media and transfer data to and from the media, each of at least one set of at least one of the data transfer elements is assigned to one of the partitions, and a library controller that assigns a different logical element designation to a virtual controller for each of the partitions, the virtual controllers directing movement of the media to and from one of the set of slots assigned to a same of the partitions.

Abstract: A data library system with managed device access comprises at least one partition, a plurality of data transfer elements each of the data transfer elements assigned to a partition, a plurality of data storage element slots, each of the slots assigned to a partition, a library controller comprising a virtual controller for each partition, the virtual controller directing movement of the media to and from the slots assigned to a same partition and to and from the data transfer elements assigned to the same partition, and at least one bridge operatively disposed between at least one user and the library, each of the bridges present the data transfer elements and the virtual controllers of each partition to the users as logical components beginning at a same designation for each partition.

Abstract: A data library comprising a plurality of partitions, at least one data transfer element, each of the data transfer elements assigned to one of the partitions and assigned an internally unique element address, a plurality of data storage element slots, each of the slots assigned to a partition and assigned an internally unique element address, at least one media transport element shared by the partitions to move media between the slots and the at least one data transfer elements, the transport assigned an internally unique element address, and a library controller that assigns a different logical unit designation to each of the partitions and that assigns external element addresses to the transport, the data transfer elements, and the slots for each of the partitions and maps the internally unique addresses to the external addresses, the controller restricting movement of media to and from the slots assigned to a same of the partitions.

Abstract: A storage area network associated data library partitioning system comprises a plurality of storage element slots adapted to store data storage media, at least one set of at least one of the slots is assigned to one partition of a plurality of partitions, a plurality of data transfer elements that are adapted to receive the media and transfer data to and from the media, each of at least one set of at least one of the data transfer elements is assigned to one of the partitions, and a library controller that assigns a different logical element designation to a virtual controller for each of the partitions, the virtual controllers directing movement of the media to and from one of the set of slots assigned to a same of the partitions.

Abstract: A method for storing a set of files on a multiple volume media set supports the ISO/IEC 13346 standard for optical media while minimizing swapping and temporary storage requirements when the multiple volume media set is used in an optical disk autochanger. The method allows the media set (e.g., optical disks) to be self-describing in accordance with the ISO/IEC 13346 standard. However, when the media set is on-line, the meta-data is separated from the data to optimize on-line performance. The method sequentializes the meta-data of the file set before writing it to the media set to achieve these advantages.