Abstract: The intelligent data storage manager functions to combine the non-homogeneous physical devices contained in a data storage subsystem to create a logical device with new and unique quality of service characteristics that satisfy the criteria for the policies appropriate for the present data object. In particular, if there is presently no logical device that is appropriate for use in storing the present data object, the intelligent data storage manager defines a new logical device using existing physical and/or logical device definitions as component building blocks to provide the appropriate characteristics to satisfy the policy requirements. The intelligent data storage manager uses weighted values that are assigned to each of the presently defined logical devices to produce a best fit solution to the requested policies in an n-dimensional best fit matching algorithm.

Abstract: A storage library for recording and retrieving information from storage media cartridges each having a label side includes a front side having an opening. Left and right slots are disposed proximate the left and right sides of the storage library for holding the storage media cartridges. The slots and the storage media cartridges are oriented so that each label side of the storage media cartridges is visible to an operator through the opening. Each of the slots are accessible to the operator via the opening for the operator to access the storage media cartridges being held by the slots. A media drive is disposed proximate the back side of the storage library and is operative to receive a storage media cartridge through a port. A robotic mechanism is disposed between the slots and is operative to move the storage media cartridges between the slots and the media drive.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the access time in a storage system having serially accessible media. One or more duplicate copies of data are maintained at different offset locations on serial media. When a request is made to read the data, a determination is made as to which copy of the data—either the original data or one of the duplicate copies—will have the shortest access time for accessing the data. Generally, this would be the data copy that will be closest to the data transducer when the tape is positioned for access, such as a tape cartridge being loaded in a tape drive. Once the tape is ready to be accessed, the tape is positioned to access the copy of the data that is in closest linear proximity with the reading transducer. Thus, the copy of the data having the lowest access latency is chosen to satisfy the particular I/O request.

Abstract: A method and system for retrieving data that is stored on a backup or secondary storage system located at a remote location to a local storage system. Restoring of backup data involves the transferring of a point-in-time copy of primary system data from a secondary storage system to the local system. The point-in-time copy is created on the secondary system using an asynchronous remote copy scheme. The point-in-time copy that is restored may be either an entire volume or portions thereof.

Abstract: A compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges. The compact tape drive has a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism having a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head. In addition, the tape elevator, electronics and other standard tape drive assemblies are included in a predefined volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including gluing vias in the closure surface and/or the recording module surface to increase bonding strength of the closure to the recording module. The surface of the recording module has a nonplanar topography along a gap side surface which creates localized air space in the gap. When adhesive is introduced between the closure and the recording module, the adhesive flows into these air spaces to bond the surfaces. The invention utilizes gluing vias in the surfaces of the closure and/or the recording module to increase flow of the adhesive and improve bonding strength.

Abstract: The invention transforms source data from a source platform to a target platform with a single copy. A data request signal is communicated from the target platform to the source platform and a location of the source data is determined in a disk subsystem supporting snapshot. The disk subsystem (i.e., a snapshot facility) copies the source data in raw form to one or more target disks designated by the target platform. The locations of the source data and the target disks are communicated to the target platform and the source data is read from the disk subsystem to transform the data to the target platform. The process starts from a request of an application resident within the target platform. One or more data management units can be used to determine source and target disk locations. Preferably, the source platform also communicates metadata to the target platform; and thus metadata, when available, is also copied via snapshot operations in the disk subsystem.

Abstract: A client-directed pre-stage operation of a cache memory used to access data blocks from a mass data storage device attached to a host computer through a channel control processor is provided by a method and apparatus comprising a channel control processor for retrieving data blocks from the mass storage device to be pre-staged within the cache memory, a channel interface coupled between the channel control processor and the host computer, a mass storage device interface coupled between the channel control processor and the mass storage device, and a cache memory coupled between the channel interface and the mass storage interface; the cache memory is further coupled to the cache control processor to provide the cache control processor access to data stored within the cache memory. The cache control processor receives a cache bitmap from the host computer to specify the data blocks from the mass storage device to be pre-staged into the cache memory.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for managing a set of expansion icons and associated information so that the user can selectively open and close expansion icons with a minimum of network bandwidth. In a preferred embodiment, an expansion flag and the information location is maintained for each expansion icon and information is downloaded on an “on demand” basis. Once an item has been opened and the information downloaded, the information location is changed to a local memory address. The associated information may be in a variety of multimedia formats, including text, URLs, audio, video, or picture information. It is possible to open several expansion icons at the same time while keeping other icons closed. When an expansion icon is closed, the expansion flag is set to false and information location is reset to a server location. In an alternative embodiment, all of the information associated with the expansion icons is downloaded at the time the web page is accessed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for processing graphics data. A set of clip areas defining a window for use in clipping graphics data is identified in which a portion of the graphics data is obscured. A clip area in a first hardware clipper is set, wherein the clip area encompasses the window to process the graphics data. The graphics data within the first clip area is graphics data to be displayed. A no clip area is set in a second hardware clipper, wherein the no clip area encompasses the portion and wherein which graphics data in the second clip area is to remain undisplayed. The graphics data is sent to the first hardware clipper and the second hardware clipper.

Abstract: A method and system are described for efficiently overriding a value of a net in an array during execution of a test routine. The logic simulator machine is simulating a logic design which includes the array and multiple nets. A current value of the net is set equal to an override value. A normal update to the array is permitted to occur during execution of a single cycle of the test routine. A determination is then made regarding whether the override value is still stored in the array for the particular net. If the override value is not still stored in the array for this net, normal updates to the array are prohibited during a single cycle of the test routine. During this cycle of the test routine, the override value is then again stored in the net as the current value of the net. This override value is thus made available to be read during this cycle of the test routine while writes to the array are disabled.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing electromagnetic radiation emissions from a data cartridge handling library employs intermittent operation of the video camera to ascertain correct bin locations and verify automated access between bin locations. This intermittent operation is utilized when an error is suspected or upon a predetermined routine to verify manipulation accuracy.

Abstract: A method, system, and program product for managing result information in a multi-node networked data processing system is provided. In one embodiment, first results of execution from a task executed on a second node in the networked data processing system are received at a first node. The results comprise an array of result messages, wherein each result message contains a unique message identifier and associated message text content. The result messages are modified, if necessary, to create second results, wherein the second results comprise an array of result messages. The second results are sent to a requesting client node.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for redirection resource access requests based on a requested resource identifier. When a user device broadcasts a network resource access request, the request is received by a Scalable, High Availability, Server Resource Redirection (SHASSR) apparatus. The request includes a requested resource identifier which is checked against a directory to determine if the resource identifier has changed. If so, a current resource identifier is returned to the SHASSR apparatus which sends out another network resource access request using the current resource identifier.

Abstract: A process and system for blocking unnecessary callbacks to empty paint methods of graphical user interface components is provided. The process initializes a platform-dependent peer class corresponding to a platform-independent class for the graphical user interface component and stores a value representing whether the platform-independent class extends a standard platform-independent class for the graphical user interface component. A platform-dependent paint method determines whether a callback to a paint method is necessary for processing of the paint event. The callback determination is performed by checking the stored value representing the extension of the standard graphics class for the component. If a callback is necessary, then the native paint method initiates a callback to the paint method of the platform-dependent peer object.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for controlling power in a data processing system having a plurality of logical partitions. Responsive to receiving a request to turn off the power for a logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions in the data processing system, a determination is made as to whether an additional partition within the plurality of logical partitions is present in the data processing system. The power is turned off in the data processing system in response to a determination an additional partition within the plurality of logical partitions is absent in the data processing system. The logical partition is shut down in response to a determination that an additional partition within the plurality of logical partitions is present in the data processing system. The mechanism of the present invention also provides for rebooting logical partitions. A request is received to reboot a logical partition within the plurality of logical partitions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for generating a user guide for an application in which application features are customizable through user input. Application features are identified from a profile for currently available application features. A set of documents is located providing user guide information for the currently available application features. A document is generated containing links to the set of documents. Further, the document may include graphical representations of icons or menu entries associated with application features through the user input.

Abstract: A method of protecting a data processing system is provided. In a preferred embodiment the data processing system temporarily switches from a main system library mode to a safe system library mode. A user then may open and read a document, such as, for example, an e-mail message, and any virus or worm contained in the document will be prevented from executing and damaging the data processing system.

Abstract: Initially, profiles are customized by naming an assignment to individual users and identifiable groups of users. A profile is further assigned action groups that comprise one or more system actions. System actions provide the functionality needed for toolbar buttons and menu items. Using the system actions associated with the action groups, toolbar buttons and menus can then be configured for the profile. The profile determines the level of functionality downloaded with the application. When a request is received for an application, the user's profile is accessed for the action groups and system actions that provide functionality for the application. Only system actions associated with a profile to which the user is assigned are transferred to the requesting user. Alternatively, the user's group profile may be accessed for the action groups and system actions that provide functionality for the application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a intelligent light source that is capable of providing a uniform illumination image across the surface of an illuminated object analyzed by an optical detector. This is accomplished by individually controlling each light-emitting element of a linear array of light elements. Calibration of the array is accomplished by sequentially illuminating each optical element of the source and building an array of normalized detected data. The matrix is then inverted and multiplied by a linear array of ones to generate the calibration data. The calibration data are then used to program a simple logic device that allows accurate digital control of the intensity of each individual light element.