Abstract: Methods and systems for upgrading a storage library of a product line having a hardware component such as a storage array operable to run at low and high operating levels in which the hardware component is set to operate at the low operating level includes associating a software key with the storage library. The software key has permission instructions for the hardware component to operate at the high operating level. The hardware component is enabled to operate at the high operating level in response to the software key being associated with the storage library in order to upgrade the storage library.

Abstract: A method and system for upgrading a storage library of a product line having a hardware component such as a storage array operable to run at low and high operating levels in which the hardware component is set to operate at the low operating level includes associating an upgrade module with the storage library. The upgrade module is an EEPROM module having permission instructions for the hardware component to operate at the high operating level. The hardware component is then enabled to operate at the high operating level in response to the upgrade module being associated with the storage library in order to upgrade the storage library.

Abstract: A method and system for upgrading a storage library of a product line having a hardware component such as a storage array operable to run at low and high operating levels in which the hardware component is set to operate at the low operating level includes associating an upgrade module with the storage library. The upgrade module is an EEPROM module having permission instructions for the hardware component to operate at the high operating level. The hardware component is then enabled to operate at the high operating level in response to the upgrade module being associated with the storage library in order to upgrade the storage library.

Abstract: A mail slot mechanism, a small automated storage library incorporating the mail slot mechanism, and method of operating the mail slot mechanism to insert and remove storage media cartridges from a small automated storage library are disclosed. The storage library includes an array of cartridge slots. Each cartridge slot is adapted to hold one storage media cartridge. One or more of these cartridge slots may function as the mail slot. Each mail slot has a top opening and a side opening through which one storage media cartridge can pass. The mail slot is disposed adjacent an opening in the storage library's housing and is pivotable between a user access position and a robot access position. A resilient member biases the mail slot toward the robot access position. A storage media cartridge may be manually inserted and removed through the top opening in the mail slot while the mail slot is at the user access position.