Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing multiple copy versions of a source volume. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a replication record management module, a pre-pairing record management module, and a copy record module. The replication record management module is configured to maintain a current replication record that is descriptive of a current copy version of the source volume. The pre-pairing record management module is configured to maintain a future pre-pairing record that is descriptive of a future copy version of the source volume. The copy record module is configured to create a copy record from a pre-copy record. The pre-copy record may be either the current replication record or the future pre-pairing record. The apparatus, system, and method beneficially maintain multiple records to describe different states for a particular copy version and dynamically handle changes to a source pool, a target pool, or both in a data copy environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and program for data backup. A backup copy of source data is created. A backup dataset inventory is created when the backup copy is created. The backup dataset inventory includes a backup dataset identifier and an originating source volume identifier for cach dataset of the source data. The backup copy is copied to a storage medium. A storage media inventory is created when copying the backup copy to the storage medium. The storage media inventory includes the originating source volume identifier and a storage media identifier for each dataset of the source data. This single backup scheme eliminates having to issue both image copies for individual dataset recovery, as well as, separate full volume dumps for recover of failed physical volumes or to recover an entire application.

Abstract: A method of copying a body of source data is shown, with rapid creation of an a backup dataset inventory. While write operations to the source data are temporarily suspended, a backup manager conducts an instant virtual copy of the source data creating a backup copy. Also while write operations are being suspended, the backup manager captures contents of a source dataset inventory cross-referencing datasets in the source data and locations in the body of source data where the datasets are stored. After the copy operation completes and writes to the source data resume, the backup manager adds the captured backup contents to a backup dataset inventory cross-referencing datasets in the backup copy and locations where the backup copy datasets are stored in the backup copy.

Abstract: A storage management system, apparatus, and method to increase the storage capacity of data storage media. Applicants' method uses a data storage device comprising a fixed device architecture, where that data storage device is capable of operating in a first capacity mode or in a second capacity mode, and where that data storage device is capable of switching between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode. In certain embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format. In other embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format. A computer code product comprising a data management system which includes an operating system and data storage device microcode, which supports the capability to switch between alternative information storage architectures, and thereby, increase the capacity utilization of data storage media.

Abstract: A method of copying a body of source data is shown, with rapid creation of an a backup dataset inventory. While write operations to the source data are temporarily suspended, a backup manager conducts an instant virtual copy of the source data creating a backup copy. Also while write operations are being suspended, the backup manager captures contents of a source dataset inventory cross-referencing datasets in the source data and locations in the body of source data where the datasets are stored. After the copy operation completes and writes to the source data resume, the backup manager adds the captured backup contents to a backup dataset inventory cross-referencing datasets in the backup copy and locations where the backup copy datasets are stored in the backup copy.

Abstract: A storage management system, apparatus, and method to increase the storage capacity of data storage media. Applicants' method uses a data storage device comprising a fixed device architecture, where that data storage device is capable of operating in a first capacity mode or in a second capacity mode, and where that data storage device is capable of switching between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode. In certain embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format. In other embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format.

Abstract: A system and method for demand-based data recovery operating in a computerized data processing system that includes a computer platform operable under the control of system data, including system programs, catalogs, directories, inventories and the like, and one or more user applications operable in conjunction with user data. The data processing system includes a data backup and recovery system for periodically transferring data between one or more primary data storage resources and one or more secondary data storage resources. The demand-based system and method operate to recover data from the secondary data storage resources to the primary data storage resources following a disaster event resulting in the loss of all or a portion of the data on the primary data storage resources. In accordance therewith, the system data is first recovered from the secondary data storage resources to the primary data storage resources.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a data storage subsystem containing a plurality of data storage devices for reading and writing data on a plurality of data storage volumes. The data processing system is controlled by software to perform a method for recycling the data storage volumes containing a percentage of still valid data and a percentage of invalid data by transferring the still valid data on a plurality of input data storage volumes to one or more output data storage volumes. In accordance with the recycling method, the data processing system assigns a selected number of the data storage devices as input devices and a selected number of the data storage devices as output devices in a predetermined input/output ratio of the form m:k, where m is the number of input devices and k is the number of output devices. The system then commences transferring still valid data from input volumes mounted on the input devices to output volumes mounted on the output devices.

Abstract: A system for recovering multi-volume data sets that are stored in one or more volumes that have failed with a substantial level of automation and flexibility. Data can be recovered from backup storage when multiple volumes fail, as in a "catastrophic" data loss. For each volume, all data sets partially or completely stored on the selected volume prior to a failure of that volume are identified. Each single-volume data set stored on the selected volume prior to the failure is restored from backup storage. Upon identifying a multi-volume data set whose beginning segment was stored on the selected volume, the entire data set is restored. Data can also be recovered from backup storage when a particular volume fails, such as after a "head crash." All data sets partially or completely stored on the selected volume prior to a failure of that volume are identified. Each single volume data set stored on the selected volume prior to the failure is recovered from backup storage.