Abstract: Embodiments for trigger event detection for automatic log collection in an automated data storage library by a processor. A triggering event associated with the automated data storage library may be detected using firmware of the automated data storage library such that the triggering event is one from a group that includes a drive or library reset, a component action, and a service action. A snapshot of one or more logs associated with the automated data storage library may be captured upon detection of the triggering event, wherein the one or more logs include at least one of diagnostic information, statistical information, configuration information, backup information, database information, or a combination thereof. The snapshot of the one or more logs by the automated data storage library may be stored.

Abstract: Transferring data from a first data storage cartridge of a first data storage library to a second data storage library. The first library includes a first data storage drive, the second library includes a second data storage drive. A mounting of the first data storage cartridge into the first data storage drive is initiated. A network connection between the first and second data storage drives, with both data storage drives operating in a data transfer mode, is initiated. A mounting of a second data storage cartridge into the second data storage drive is initiated. A copying of the data content of the first data storage cartridge onto the second data storage cartridge via the network connection is initiated. A deletion of the data of the first data storage cartridge is initiated.

Abstract: Transferring data from a first data storage drive of a first data storage library to a first computer system that is connected to a second data storage drive of a second data storage library. A data transfer request for transferring data accessible by the first data storage drive to the first computer system is received. A network connection is initiated between the first and the second data storage drive. An access to the requested data is initiated by the first data storage drive. A transfer of the requested data from the first to the second data storage drive via the network connection is initiated. A transfer of the requested data from the second data storage drive to the first computer system is initiated.

Abstract: In an automated data storage library, selective encryption for data stored or to be stored on removable media is provided. One or more encryption policies are established, each policy including a level of encryption, one or more encryption keys and the identity of one or more data cartridges. The encryption policies are stored in a policy table and the encryption keys are stored in a secure key server. A host requests access to a specified data cartridge and the cartridge is transported from a storage shelf in the library to a storage drive. Based on the identity of the specified cartridge, the corresponding encryption policy is selected from the table and the appropriate encryption key is obtained from the key server. The storage drive encrypts data in accordance with the key and stores the data on the media on an encryption table within the specified data cartridge.

Abstract: A system and a computer program product are disclosed for eliminating access to data on removable storage media of a removable storage media cartridge. The system comprises a computer configured to send to a data storage drive a command to eliminate access to data on a removable storage media cartridge, and send to the data storage drive a command to shred at least one key in response to the command, where shredding the at least one key eliminates access to the data on the removable storage media cartridge. A determination to eliminate access to the data on the removable storage media cartridge is based on a number of read and/or write errors encountered for the removable storage media cartridge.

Abstract: In an automated data storage library, selective encryption for data stored or to be stored on removable media is provided. One or more encryption policies are established, each policy including a level of encryption, one or more encryption keys and the identity of one or more data cartridges. The encryption policies are stored in a policy table and the encryption keys are stored in a secure key server. A host requests access to a specified data cartridge and the cartridge is transported from a storage shelf in the library to a storage drive. Based on the identity of the specified cartridge, the corresponding encryption policy is selected from the table and the appropriate encryption key is obtained from the key server. The storage drive encrypts data in accordance with the key and stores the data on the media on an encryption table within the specified data cartridge.

Abstract: A system and a computer program product are disclosed for eliminating access to data on removable storage media of a removable storage media cartridge. The system comprises a computer configured to send to a data storage drive a command to eliminate access to data on a removable storage media cartridge, and send to the data storage drive a command to shred at least one key in response to the command, where shredding the at least one key eliminates access to the data on the removable storage media cartridge. A determination to eliminate access to the data on the removable storage media cartridge is based on a number of read and/or write errors encountered for the removable storage media cartridge.

Abstract: An encryption communications appliance provides data encryption management for a data storage library. The appliance is coupled to an encryption-capable storage device, a data storage library controller within the data storage library and with an encryption key manager (EKM). The encryption command communications appliance intercepts encryption key requests from the data storage device and transparently forwards the requests to the EKM. The appliance also forwards transparently communications between the library controller and the data storage device.

Abstract: A library is reset as needed in a manner non-disruptive to a host system providing a host command to a drive interfacing with the host system on behalf of the library during a reset of the library. To this end, the drive confirms a receipt of a host command to the host system on behalf of the library in response to the drive receiving the host command from the host system, and the library commands the drive to transmit the host command to the library subsequent to a reset of the library based on the drive receiving the host command from the host system during the reset of the library.

Abstract: A method to provide redundant accessor availabilty in an automated data storage library. The method provides a data storage and retrieval system comprising one or more data storage devices a robot accessor and a gripper. Either at the same time or at a later time, the user obtains a second gripper and/or a second accessor. The method allows selection and/or authorization for additional support from the second gripper and/or the second accessor upon request and authorization. The redundant accessor capabilities are provided on an honor system for payment for the additional capability, and/or uses a system for tracking the redundant accessor usage, and/or uses license keys or other controls that must be obtained prior to enabling redundant accessor capabilities.

Abstract: A storage subsystem, method of automatically maintaining the subsystem hardware configuration up to date and program product therefor. The storage subsystem automatically initiates hardware discovery in response to a triggering event. Subsystem hardware information is collected during hardware discovery and checked against a current configuration to identify hardware changes. Whenever hardware changes are identified, the subsystem configures the hardware and calibrates newly configured hardware. So, hardware changes may be automatically discovered, configured and calibrated free from operator intervention.

Abstract: A library includes a frame, a plurality of cartridge slots disposed within the frame and at least one counter configured to determine the presence of cartridges stored within the plurality of cartridge slots without removing the cartridges. The library also includes at least one controller in communication with the counter and configured to count a number of cartridges within the cartridge slots and compare the counted number to a capacity on demand value.

Abstract: An encryption communications appliance provides data encryption management for a data storage library. The appliance is coupled to an encryption-capable storage device, a data storage library controller within the data storage library and with an encryption key manager (EKM). The encryption command communications appliance intercepts encryption key requests from the data storage device and transparently forwards the requests to the EKM. The appliance also forwards transparently communications between the library controller and the data storage device.

Abstract: Methods are provided for managing data encryption for a data storage library. An implementation assessment is performed for a customer and, in response to the implementation assessment, a set of customizations are generated for an encryption command communications appliance to enable the appliance to communicate with an encryption-capable storage device and a data storage library controller within the data storage library and with an encryption key manager (EKM) coupled to the data storage library. The encryption command communications appliance is configured with the set of customizations and the configured encryption command communications appliance is installed in the data storage library coupled to the library controller, the storage device and the EKM.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data stored on storage media contained in cartridges in response to commands from an external host. The cartridges include cartridge memory and a component in the library includes a cartridge memory interface for reading data from and/or writing data to the cartridge memory. When a cartridge is to be stored in the library, the library modifies the contents of the cartridge memory such that the data stored on the cartridge becomes inaccessible, thereby preventing access to the data outside of the library. To perform an authorized access, the library restores the contents of the cartridge memory or provides a correction or correction algorithm to allow access to the data without removing the access protection of the storage media. The cartridge memory may also or alternatively include an identifier which permits access to the data only by the identified physical and/or logical library(s).

Abstract: A removable media battery pack for supplying power to a media accessor of an automated data storage library. A media shell of the removable media battery pack has a structural configuration operable to be physically engaged by a media shell gripper of the media accessor. A rechargeable battery of the removable media battery pack is disposed within the media shell. A media shell interface of the removable media battery pack is integrated with the media shell and coupled to the rechargeable battery to provide power to the media accessor.

Abstract: A library includes a frame, a plurality of cartridge slots disposed within the frame and at least one counter configured to determine the presence of cartridges stored within the plurality of cartridge slots without removing the cartridges. The library also includes at least one controller in communication with the counter and configured to count a number of cartridges within the cartridge slots and compare the counted number to a capacity on demand value.

Abstract: A magazine includes a housing defining an interior space and an exterior space and a plurality of storage slots disposed within the housing. The magazine further includes at least one cartridge blocker that alternates between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position provides access to at least one of the storage slots, and wherein the closed position substantially prevents access to at least one of the storage slots.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells or shelves and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges on the library floor may damage the accessor. A cartridge sensor is provided and positioned to detect cartridges on the floor of the library. The sensor may be mounted to the base of the accessor, may be mounted to the gripper, or one or more sensors may be mounted proximate to the floor of the library. If the library includes more than one library frame, a sensor may be mounted proximate to the floor of each of one or more of the frames, thereby allowing for the location of a dropped cartridge to be identified.

Abstract: Logic circuits and operations respond to received various control signals, including (1) data exchange commands directing the drive to read and/or write data to a media item mounted by the drive, and (2) robotic device management commands. The logic responds to incoming data exchange commands by reading and/or writing to the loaded media item. The processor responds to at least some robotic device management signals by forwarding them to a robotic media transport device. The processor withholds the data exchange commands from the robotic device, since they are only pertinent to operations of the drive itself. The robotic device may be configured to restrict host access to library components according to predefined logical partitions.