Abstract: A method of managing a distributed storage system (1) comprising a plurality of storage devices (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) on a network (N), wherein an autonomous function can be assigned to any storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (N), which autonomous function comprises collecting content according to a configurable profile (3) for the storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) to which the autonomous function is assigned, and wherein a first storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (1), before leaving the network (N), delegates the responsibility for an autonomous function of that first storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) to a second storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (1), and wherein the second storage device assumes responsibility for the autonomous function of the first storage device (D1, D2, . . .

Abstract: A portable data storage device (1) is disclosed to be used for organizing content (10, 11, 18) available to the data storage device (1). The device comprises means (12) for setting an information source (6) for a storage profile (9), a means (3) for receiving storage profile update data (7) from the information source (6), a means (4) for updating the storage profile (9) based upon the storage profile update data (7), a means (2) for organizing content (10, 11) based upon the storage profile (9) and a means (12, 13) for triggering the means (3) for receiving storage profile update data (7) from the information source (6). The device (1) is capable of organizing content in a dynamic manner based on data storage profiles that are also dynamic in nature whilst requiring minimum user intervention.

Abstract: A data storage system comprises a plurality of portable data storage devices (12) coupled via a network (10). Each of the portable data storage devices (12) has an associated storage profile, which defines a which data objects will be stored in the storage device. A recommended profile for at least one of the portable data storage devices us automatically generated, using the steps of—collecting profile information about storage profiles for portable data storage devices (12) other than the at least one of the portable data storage devices (12) and/or data object information about properties of data objects stored by the portable data storage devices (12) other than the at least one of the portable data storage devices (12), —using the profile information and/or data information to guide generation of the recommended storage profile.

Abstract: The method consists of providing (1) a user interface for selecting a content item stored on a storage means, retrieving (3) a further content item related to the content item from a system on a network using an identification of the content item, and storing (5) the further content item on the removable medium. The electronic device contains a writer (23), a control unit (25), and a network interface (27). The control unit (25) is able to use an input device and an output device to enable a user to select a content item stored on a storage means (33), to use the network interface (27) for retrieving a further content item related to the content item from a system on a network using an identification of the content item, and to use the writer (23) for storing the further content item on the removable medium. The computer program product enables, upon its execution, a programmable apparatus to function as the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of managing a distributed storage system (1) comprising a plurality of storage devices (D1, D2 . . . , Dn) on a network (N), wherein an autonomous function can be assigned to any storage device (D1, D2 . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (N), which autonomous function comprises collecting content according to a configurable profile (3) for the storage device (D1, D2 . . . , Dn) to which the autonomous function is assigned, and wherein a first storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (1), before leaving the network (N), delegates the responsibility for an autonomous function of that first storage device (D1, D2 . . . , Dn) to a second storage device (D1, D2 . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (1), and wherein the second storage device assumes responsibility for the autonomous function of the first storage device (D1, D2 . . .

Abstract: A data storage system comprises a plurality of portable data storage devices (12) coupled via a network (10). Each of the portable data storage devices (12) has an associated storage profile, which defines a which data objects will be stored in the storage device. A recommended profile for at least one of the portable data storage devices us automatically generated, using the steps of—collecting profile information about storage profiles for portable data storage devices (12) other than the at least one of the portable data storage devices (12) and/or data object information about properties of data objects stored by the portable data storage devices (12) other than the at least one of the portable data storage devices (12), —using the profile information and/or data information to guide generation of the recommended storage profile.

Abstract: A portable data storage device (1) is disclosed to be used for organizing content (10, 11, 18) available to the data storage device (1). The device comprises means (12) for setting an information source (6) for a storage profile (9), a means (3) for receiving storage profile update data (7) from the information source (6), a means (4) for updating the storage profile (9) based upon the storage profile update data (7), a means (2) for organizing content (10, 11) based upon the storage profile (9) and a means (12, 13) for triggering the means (3) for receiving storage profile update data (7) from the information source (6). The device (1) is capable of organizing content in a dynamic manner based on data storage profiles that are also dynamic in nature whilst requiring minimum user intervention.

Abstract: A system (11, 50) and method is disclosed to be used for physically locating content (12) in a network (10). Further, a device is disclosed for use in the system and a computer program product enabling the disclosed method. The system comprises an input means (53) allowing a user to identify content (12) which is to be physically located, for example, via a computer or television user interface. A device (11) storing the content (12) is identified physically within the network. The device provides a signal (45) which the user is physically susceptible to, for example, a visual indication. The user is therefore assisted in the physical location of content that has been virtualised in the network. Such a system is especially useful when the device comprised within the network is a portable storage device that the user would like to quickly locate and take away.