Abstract: In a data storage system with multiple output media types, each request to store a data object is automatically analyzed to select the optimal output media type. In choosing the output media type best suited to quickly and efficiently complete the storage requests, the storage system considers (1) attributes of the data object itself, such as its size, (2) any perceived urgency required to complete the data storage request, and (3) attributes of the system's storage devices, such as the availability of different output media types, presence of other storage requests queued for storage for each type, level of ongoing access of each storage type by concurrent storage tasks, delays to initiate storage such as mount/demount times, amount of storage space available in different output media types, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for managing servers. The system comprises a plurality of servers for processing messages, at least one client for transmitting messages to and receiving messages from the servers, and processor means for maintaining a list indicating whether at least one of the servers is eligible to process messages. Preferably, the servers are adapted to process messages of different types; and the processor means includes means to indicate on said list whether, for each of the different types of messages, at least one of the servers is eligible to process each of the different types of messages. Also, in the preferred embodiment, each of the clients includes means to read the list, before the client transmits a message of a given type to one of the servers, to determine whether at least one of the servers is eligible to process messages of the given type.