Abstract: A method to maintain information by assigning one or more storage attributes to each of a plurality of logical volumes. The method writes a first portion of a dataset to a first logical volume. The method assigns one or more storage attributes to that first logical volume. When the logical end of volume for the first logical volume is approaching, Applicants' method mounts a second logical volume, and continues writing the dataset to that second logical volume. The method assigns the same one or more storage attributes to the second logical volume.

Abstract: A method to maintain information in a virtual tape system comprising a library inventory using a plurality of storage attributes. The method includes forming a dataset comprising information, and assigning one or more storage construct names to that dataset. The method provides the dataset and the one or more storage construct names to the virtual tape system. The method assigns a plurality of storage attributes to the logical volume using the one or more storage construct names. The method then selects storage management actions for the logical volume based upon those assigned storage attributes.

Abstract: A method to import a logical volume and first storage attributes assigned to that logical volume into a second virtual tape system from a first virtual tape system. The method assigns one or more first storage attributes to that logical volume, assigns an identifier, and writes an export physical volume comprising the logical volume, the first storage attributes, and the identifier. The method then imports the logical volume, the logical volume identifier, and the first storage attributes, into the second virtual tape system, and associates one or more construct overridden flags with the logical volume if the second virtual tape system specifies use of one or more of second storage attributes.

Abstract: A method to write information to one or more information storage media disposed in a data storage and retrieval system comprising host adapters capable of data compression and information storage devices capable of data compression. The method establishes a storage medium usage threshold and determines the actual storage media usage level for the data storage and retrieval system. The method then determines if the actual storage media usage level is greater than the storage medium usage threshold. If the actual storage media usage level is greater than said storage medium usage threshold, then the method enables use of information storage device data compression. Alternatively, if the actual storage media usage level is not greater than said storage medium usage threshold, then the method disables use of information storage device data compression.

Abstract: A dynamic selection of a communications link between a storage controller and one of a plurality of storage servers is provided so as to enhance the performance of the storage system. The storage system includes a plurality of storage devices, a corresponding plurality of virtual storage controllers coupled to the storage devices and a virtual storage controller. The virtual storage controller includes a host interface, a server interface, a stored table and a processing unit. The stored table includes a list identifying the active links between the server interface and each virtual storage server and, for each active link, a corresponding performance value.

Abstract: A method to import a logical volume and first storage attributes assigned to that logical volume into a second virtual tape system from first virtual tape system, where the first virtual tape system is capable of communicating with one or more first host computers, and where the second virtual tape system is capable of communicating with one or more second host computers. The method maintains a logical volume in a first direct access storage device file buffer disposed in the first virtual tape system, assigns one or more first storage attributes to that logical volume, assigns an identifier to the logical volume, and writes an export physical volume that includes the logical volume, the one or more assigned first storage attributes, and the logical volume identifier. The method defines in the second virtual tape system a plurality of second storage attributes.

Abstract: A method to assign a premigration pseudotime attribute and a stubbing pseudotime attribute to a logical volume. The method defines a plurality of host requests, and associates with each host request a pseudotime range. The method further maintains a logical volume in a first information storage medium at a first time, and determines if a user provides a host request for that logical volume. If a user provides a host request for that logical volume, then the method assigns to the logical volume a premigration pseudotime attribute, and a stubbing pseudotime attribute, comprising a time within the pseudotime range associated with the host request. If, on the other hand, a user does not provide a host request for the logical volume, then the method assigns to that logical volume the first time as said premigration pseudotime attribute, and said first time as said stubbing pseudotime attribute.

Abstract: A method to maintain information in a virtual tape system comprising a library inventory using a plurality of storage attributes. The method includes forming a dataset comprising information, and assigning one or more storage construct names to that dataset. The method provides the dataset and the one or more storage construct names to the virtual tape system. The method assigns a plurality of storage attributes to the logical volume using the one or more storage construct names. The method then selects storage management actions for the logical volume based upon those assigned storage attributes.

Abstract: A method to assign one or more new storage construct names to one or more logical volumes using an operator input station capable of communicating with a virtual tape system, where that virtual tape system includes a plurality of existing logical volumes and a database which includes a plurality of logical volume records. The method first defines one or more new storage construct names, associates one or more storage actions with each of those new storage construct names, and saves the new storage construct names and the associated storage actions in the database. The method then enters, using the operator input station, a range of logical volumes, selects one or more new storage construct names, associates those new storage construct name to the range of logical volumes. The method then determines if the range of logical volumes comprises existing or new logical volumes.

Abstract: A method to maintain information by assigning one or more storage attributes to each of a plurality of logical volumes. The method writes a first portion of a dataset to a first logical volume. The method assigns one or more storage attributes to that first logical volume. When the logical end of volume for the first logical volume is approaching, Applicants' method mounts a second logical volume, and continues writing the dataset to that second logical volume. The method assigns the same one or more storage attributes to the second logical volume.

Abstract: A method to export and then import a logical volume with assigned storage attributes, from a first information storage medium to a second information storage medium. The method maintains a logical volume in a first information storage medium. The method assigns one or more first storage attributes to that logical volume. The method further includes forming an import list logical volume. The method further includes defining a plurality second storage attributes. The method further includes importing the logical volume, and the assigned first storage attributes, into a second information storage medium. The method then determines if the import list logical volume specifies use of one or more second storage attributes. If the import list logical volume specifies use of one or more second storage attributes, then the method assigns to the logical volume those one or more second storage attributes.

Abstract: A system and method for guaranteeing overwrite of expired data in a media device, the data being organized according to logical units provided on media devices organized as physical volumes. The method comprises the steps of: maintaining information associated with a status of a physical volume, and updating a physical volume's status information based upon a combination of that volume's prior status and that volume's current status; specifying a time duration that expired logical unit data may remain on a physical volume; based upon the volume's updated status information, determining whether a selected volume has expired data longer than the specified time duration; and, overwriting contents of the volume having data that has expired longer than the specified time duration.

Abstract: A system and method for processing data storage mediums (DSMs) that are not stored in an automated data storage library on medium drive devices that are part of the library. An input station used to add DSMs is enabled to serve as an input and output window for transient data storage mediums (TDSMs) so that DSMs are not dislodged from the storage bins. An operator may automatically place the library's robotic picker in a "TDSM mount mode" when an attached host processor requests one or more data volumes stored on one or more TDSMs. A library-manager controller can be automatically configured to interact with the library's robotic pickers to transfer a TDSM from the input/output station to a device, such as a tape drive within the library. The library manager controller is automatically configured to ignore the machine readable external label of a TDSM so that it is not necessary to place such a label on a TDSM.