Abstract: A method for writing data in a tape drive is provided by the present invention. The present invention provides a method for writing data in a tape drive. The invention include allocating a blank area for transpose writing on a magnetic tap and then writing a first group of data sets on the magnetic tape adjacent to the blank area. The tape drive maintains full operating speed during intervals between writing successive data sets, resulting in spaces between the data sets. At a specified interval, the drive repositions the tape writes a transposed data block to the allocated blank area, wherein the transposed data block contains the same content as the first group of data sets. A new blank area for transpose writing is then allocated adjacent to the recently transposed data block.

Abstract: A system for object-based archival data storage includes an object-based storage subsystem having respective data storage devices, at least one file presentation interface that interfaces to client platforms, an administration interface having graphical user interface (GUI) and a command line interface (CLI), a meta data subsystem for storing meta data about files, and includes a virtual file subsystem having a virtual file server (VFS), a policy subsystem, and a scalable interconnect to couple the object-based storage subsystem, the at least one file presentation interface, the administration interface, the meta data subsystem, and the policy subsystem, wherein the policy subsystem provides system rules predetermined by a user for at least one of hash based integrity checking, read-only/write-ability/erase-ability control, and duplicate data treatment corresponding to files and file objects.

Abstract: An expandable storage library for storing digital storage media, such as storage tapes or disks is provided. The library includes a base unit and robotic system to which additional expansion units may be added. Several expansion units may be installed in the library with the base unit so that the robotic system can access media storage racks in any of the expansion units or in the base unit. Doors on the base unit and expansion unit may be interlocked together to function as a single door. A Z pole guide on the base unit may be extended by adding expansion guide poles that guide the movement of the robotic system through the library.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus which reads a barcode recorded on a predetermined area of an optical disc, includes a reading unit which reads the barcode from a plurality of tracks on the predetermined area of the optical disc, and a barcode data decoding unit which decodes barcode output data from a cumulative value of the barcode data of the plurality of tracks, which is read by the reading unit.

Abstract: A method for generating an anti-shrink to delta creep amplitude performance metric for a tensilized tape. The method may include the steps of determining a zero point of the tensilized tape, determining a total length of the tensilized tape, generating a zero point ratio by dividing the zero point of the tensilized tape by the total length of the tensilized tape, and generating the anti-shrink to delta creep amplitude performance metric by subtracting the zero point ratio from a constant.

Abstract: A magneto-resistive sensor head and a method of manufacturing the magneto-resistive sensor head. The magneto-resistive sensor head includes a first lead and a second lead. A magneto-resistive layer and a biasing layer are disposed between the first lead and the second lead. A grating is disposed in the magneto-resistive layer. The topography of the biasing layer is unaffected by the presence of the grating.

Abstract: A device for safely handling electrically sensitive objects. A grounded dissipative material is used to form a handling surface so that electrically charged objects handled by the wand can slowly discharge without becoming damaged.

Abstract: More than two copies of data in a storage management system may be managed by directing at least one virtual volume to a receiving management class within the storage management system. Each virtual volume is exported to a third multi-volume copy, unknown to the storage management system, based on the receiving management class. A manifest file is created listing each exported virtual volume.

Abstract: The present invention combines low density parity checking with parallel equalization channels to enhance data retrieval from tape. Viterbi analysis is done as a precursor to the use of at least one low density parity decoder. A signal decoder may include a plurality of viterbi processors and at least one low density parity check decoder. The decoder may receive a plurality of pulse-shaped signals and produces decoded output signals.

Abstract: A virtual data storage system includes a device emulator and a storage system for storing data to a plurality of physical devices in accordance with storage management policies. The data received by the device emulator is converted into a data object. The data object and object specific metadata are stored to storage media in accordance with the storage management policies. The object specific metadata is stored separate from the data object. In addition, the object specific metadata is embedded into the data object. Upon detecting an error when attempting to access the data object, an extent of data loss is determined by examining the object specific metadata.

Abstract: System and method for content-addressable holographic data storage, primarily optimized with respect to search performance. A structured representation of original data, such as represented by metadata, is provided and stored in a holographic data storage medium on which a search can be performed using a holographic correlator. Phase encoding of both data storage and search pages provides improvement of correlator system signal to noise ratio and dynamic range. Heterodyne detection is also used to provide amplification to a plurality of correlation signals by modulation thereof by a plurality of reference beams. In another aspect, increase in the storage density of the holographic data storage medium and the throughput of a holographic correlator is achieved by employing a content-addressable storage scheme, using a priori knowledge of content provided by metadata to organize data according to a selectable content relationship and store related data as a contiguous cluster.

Abstract: A method for providing a giant magneto-resistive (GMR) sensor for use in sensing magnetic flux is provided. The method comprises positioning a layer of Cu material between first and second layers of a specified ferromagnetic material. The respective end surfaces of the Cu layer and the first and second layers are initially located in a common plane and in a co-planar relationship with one another. The method further comprises removing an amount of material from the copper layer to form a new end surface thereof that is selectively spaced apart from the common plane and applying a protective coating to the new end surface of the Cu layer to inhibit corrosion of the Cu layer.

Abstract: More than two copies of data in a storage management system may be managed by directing at least one virtual volume to a receiving management class within the storage management system. Each virtual volume is exported to a third multi-volume copy, unknown to the storage management system, based on the receiving management class. A manifest file is created listing each exported virtual volume.

Abstract: A sensor and method for page-based optical data storage. The sensor includes a partially-reflective mirror, a reflective mirror disposed substantially collinear with and spaced apart from the partially-reflective mirror, and an active layer disposed substantially collinear with and between the partially-reflective mirror and the reflective mirror. The partially-reflective mirror has a first and second side and transmits a portion of light incident on the first side. The reflective mirror reflects light incident on the reflective mirror toward the partially-reflective mirror. The active layer absorbs at least a portion of the light oscillating at the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A method for selectively controlling reutilization of space in a virtual tape system (VTS) having a buffer and a multiple volume tape cartridge includes transferring data volume files to the VTS. The buffer transfers the data making up these files as virtual tape volumes (VTVs) to different locations of the cartridge for storage. A file is selectively designated for the VTS to delete from storage after a date included with the file has elapsed by deleting the VTVs corresponding to the file from the cartridge to reuse space of the cartridge. The method includes detecting if a file transferred as VTVs to the cartridge has been designated for deletion. The VTS is prohibited from deleting the file after the date has elapsed if the file was not designated for deletion and is allowed to delete the file after the date has elapsed if the file was not designated for deletion.

Abstract: An optical disc includes a SPOKE potion for detecting a position in a circumferential direction of the optical disc, which is formed on an inner or outer circumferential side relative to a data recording area and visible image drawing area. A signal portion in which each signal is constituted by a pair of light nonreflecting portion and light reflecting portion is formed in the SPOKE portion. The signal portion includes a first signal portion in which signal widths of the nonreflecting portion and reflecting portion are the same and a second signal portion in which the signal widths of the nonreflecting portion and reflecting portion are changed.

Abstract: For use in a storage area network (SAN), a virtualization layer including at least one virtual engine having a respective local cache and a secondary cache layer, wherein the secondary cache layer includes the local caches coupled together, the local caches individually including a first cache layer, and at least one of a data transfer command and data corresponding to the transfer command are multicast to the secondary cache layer through an interconnection bus, the interconnection bus coupling the at least one virtual engine and at least one physical storage device.

Abstract: A data storage device head having reduced media induced micro-discharge events. The data storage device head includes a support structure, and a wafer. A mitigation voltage, other than a ground potential, is presented to the wafer at a level sufficient to suppress media induced micro-discharge events.

Abstract: A media drive having a deck and a head positioning assembly. The deck has a first threaded hole. The head positioning assembly includes a baseplate having an aperture, a nut having a second threaded hole, and an adjustment screw having first and second threaded portions. The nut rotates about an axis of rotation and slides within the aperture to align the first and second threaded portions with the first and second threaded holes, respectively.

Abstract: Electronic mail is archived and retrieved based on metadata generated by the client sending the electronic mail. The metadata is generated based on variable metadata generation policies distributed to each client. The metadata generation policies are executed in each client in conjunction with each electronic mail sent from the client. The electronic mail is received in a mail server on route to at least one addressee of the electronic mail. The received electronic mail is processed based on the metadata attached to the received electronic mail.