Abstract: In one embodiment, a cartridge library comprises a library controller comprising a first processor module and a memory medium communicatively connected to the processor module, and a cartridge drive controller comprising a second processor module and a memory medium communicatively connected to the processor module. The cartridge drive controller comprises logic instructions stored on a computer readable medium which, when executed, cause the first processor module to receive, from a management component coupled to the cartridge library, at least one access control parameter, wherein the access control parameter identifies at least one of a user, a server, a command, or a time, record, in a memory medium coupled to the cartridge library, the at least one access control parameter; receive a request for at least one resource of the cartridge library; and use the access control parameter in determining whether to grant access to the at least one resource of the cartridge library.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing encryption keys in a storage library. One method includes receiving a request to read or write data to a tape drive; initiating, by the tape drive, a request for an encryption key to encrypt or decrypt the data; and transmitting the encryption to key to the tape drive through an out-of-band path.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing encryption keys in a storage library. One method includes using a tape library to determine which key manager is selected for data encryption operations to a tape drive when multiple different key managers exist in a storage system.

Abstract: An air plenum includes a main body that is sized to enclose at least a portion of a device. The main body extends a distance beyond a port provided on the device and also defines an opening therein that is substantially aligned with the port provided on the device. A cover sized to substantially cover the opening in the main body includes a recessed portion that is inset with respect to a non-recessed portion of the cover by a distance that is about equal to the distance by which the main body extends beyond the port provided on the device. The recessed portion defines an opening therein that is substantially aligned with the port so that the recessed portion in the cover allows a user to access the port on the device.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods wherein a controller and operator control panel are provided that cooperate to control functions and display information regarding the apparatus. The controller and operator control panel is configured to implement an inventory service level function that selectively displays a selectable skip inventory item, if the skip inventory item was selected, during a succeeding power-up cycle, displays a selectable take inventory item that overrides skipping of the inventory to cause the power-up inventory to be taken, displays a countdown timer that indicates a time period during which the take inventory item may be selected, and skips the power-up inventory if the take inventory item is not selected during the countdown period.

Abstract: A method for securing access to a data medium comprises listing at least one unique identifier of media that a data transfer element is allowed to access in memory storage of the data transfer element, accessing only media having at least one of the listed unique identifiers in media cartridge memory with the data transfer element, and writing a unique identifier associated with the data transfer element to the cartridge memory of the selected medium with the data transfer element in response to no library assigned unique identifier being present in the cartridge memory of the selected medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cartridge library, comprises a management component comprising a first processor module and a memory medium communicatively connected to the first processor module, an interface controller comprising a second processor module and a memory medium communicatively connected to the second processor module, wherein the interface controller comprises logic instructions stored on a computer readable medium which, when executed, cause the second processor module to, record, in a memory medium coupled to the cartridge library, at least one access control parameter, wherein the access control parameter identifies at least one of a user, a server, a command, or a time, receive, in an interface controller coupled to the cartridge library, a request for at least one resource of the cartridge library, and implement an access control routine in the interface controller to use the access control parameter to determine whether to limit a user's ability to perform at least one command on at least one resou

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cartridge library comprises a library controller comprising a first processor module and a memory medium communicatively connected to the processor module, and a cartridge drive controller comprising a second processor module and a memory medium communicatively connected to the processor module. The cartridge drive controller comprises logic instructions stored on a computer readable medium which, when executed, cause the first processor module to receive, from a management component coupled to the cartridge library, at least one access control parameter, wherein the access control parameter identifies at least one of a user, a server, a command, or a time, record, in a memory medium coupled to the cartridge library, the at least one access control parameter; receive a request for at least one resource of the cartridge library; and use the access control parameter in determining whether to grant access to the at least one resource of the cartridge library.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing an error in a cartridge drive, comprises detecting an occurrence of a defined event in a cartridge drive, in response to the defined event, initiating an analysis routine of at least one event log from the cartridge drive, and invoking an intervention routine when the analysis indicates that the defined event represents a failure threat.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing a storage library with removable media. One method includes providing to an administrative console identification of host computers attempting to access a tape drive in a tape library; determining, from input at the administrative console, access rights for each of the host computers attempting to access the tape drive; and transmitting the access rights to the tape drive in order to configure the tape drive to determine which of the host computers are authorized to access the tape drive.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods having a controller for controlling and monitoring a robotics assembly that loads and unloads storage media into and from storage devices and an operator control panel coupled to the controller for controlling functions of and displaying information regarding the apparatus. A user interface that is displayable on the operator control panel is operative to allow input of a storage media characteristic, locate media using the input storage media characteristic, and retrieve the location of the desired storage media corresponding to the characteristic that was input.

Abstract: Storage apparatus and methods that allow direct ordering of storage supplies from a vendor. Exemplary storage apparatus comprises a housing, and a controller contained within the housing that is configured to robotically manage removable media. A communications module is coupled to the controller for communicating with the vendor. An operator control panel is attached to the housing, is coupled to the controller, and is configurable to allow a user to order storage supplies from the vendor via the communications module. As a result, the storage supplies are ordered directly from the storage apparatus.

Abstract: Storage apparatus containing removable media and related methods that filters and displays information regarding events relating to the health of the storage apparatus. A controller is configured to robotically manage the removable media and manage events related to the health of the storage apparatus, wherein the events are classified into one of a number of predetermined event classes. A display is coupled to the controller for displaying the events. An operator control panel is coupled to the controller and is configurable to receive a class selection from a user. In response to a class selection, the controller causes only events associated with the class selection to be displayed.

Abstract: Storage apparatus and related methods for managing removable media. A controller is coupled to an operator control panel and is in communication with an user interface. The controller is configured to robotically manage the removable media and to monitor a licensed storage capacity of the storage apparatus, and can communicate with an authorization source. When the storage capacity reaches a predetermined level of the licensed storage capacity, the user interface displays a prompt to acquire additional licensed storage capacity.

Abstract: A method for securing access to a data medium comprises recording a unique identification number assigned to each medium in at least a portion of a data library, and commanding at least one selected data transfer element in said library to only accept media having particular ones of said identification numbers.

Abstract: Exemplary tape library architectures and methods for recording errors in a tape drive are described. One exemplar method may be implemented in a processor a tape drive controller. The method comprises receiving, in a tape drive controller, an external identifier associated with a tape cartridge, recording the external identifier in a memory location associated with the tape drive controller, and associating, in a subsequent error analysis routine, an error in the tape drive with the external identifier of the tape cartridge in the tape drive.

Abstract: A rack-mount storage system comprises an equipment cabinet that defines at least one device opening therein. A first device sized to be received by the first device opening defines a first mounting pathway therein. The first device has a chassis that is sized to receive at least one component of the first device and that also defines at least a portion of the first mounting pathway. A support spar sized to be received by the first mounting pathway and being sized to engage said equipment cabinet and extend substantially between first and second sides of the equipment cabinet engages the first mounting pathway and the equipment cabinet to support said first device in the equipment cabinet.

Abstract: Data transfer apparatus may include a housing substantially conforming to a dimensional standard for a specified type of data cartridge. A reader mounted to the housing interrogates and receives data from a memory system provided on a data cartridge when the data transfer apparatus is positioned adjacent the data cartridge. A data transmission system mounted to the housing and operatively associated with the reader transfers data received by the reader to a data receiving system external to the data transfer apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of recording an error in a tape drive, comprises receiving, in a tape library controller, an internal identifier associated with a tape cartridge; recording, in a memory medium associated with the tape library controller, the internal identifier; associating, in the memory medium, the internal identifier with an external identifier associated with the tape cartridge; and providing information in the memory medium to identify the tape cartridge in a subsequent error analysis routine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting data cartridges between cartridge libraries. A data cartridge is received by a data cartridge transport device, pivoted, and then ejected to a cartridge sleeve of a second cartridge library. In one embodiment, the data cartridge transport device includes a pivot assembly; a cartridge sleeve, mounted to the pivot assembly; a cartridge eject mechanism, operably associated with the cartridge sleeve; a drive assembly; and a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly moves between first and second positions, wherein movement of the clutch assembly to the first position engages the pivot assembly with the drive assembly, thereby enabling pivoting of the cartridge sleeve, and wherein movement of the clutch assembly to the second position engages the cartridge eject mechanism with the drive assembly, thereby enabling ejection of a data cartridge from the cartridge sleeve.