Abstract: The present invention provides fast read performance for accessing a file from a multiplicity of files when its corresponding Block ID is unavailable, by furnishing new file-positioning commands, allowing access to data based on File Number, at the same fast locate speed as with Block Ids, thereby expanding the range of applications that can use certain tape drive systems effectively. The present invention includes both a device architecture for supporting the file oriented positioning and the appending, as well as a software system that can permit easy application access to the device facilities and system components which permit the advantages to accrue without any software application or operator changes, including a robust architecture for navigating residual data, e.g., for data recovery. The present invention comprises several device command innovations, a relative positioning command, an absolute positioning command, and other commands, e.g., for sensing current position.

Abstract: The present invention provides fast read performance for accessing a file from a multiplicity of files when its corresponding Block ID is unavailable, by furnishing new file-positioning commands, allowing access to data based on File Number, at the same fast locate speed as with Block Ids, thereby expanding the range of applications that can use certain tape drive systems effectively. The present invention includes both a device architecture for supporting the file oriented positioning and the appending, as well as a software system that can permit easy application access to the device facilities and system components which permit the advantages to accrue without any software application or operator changes, including a robust architecture for navigating residual data, e.g., for data recovery. The present invention comprises several device command innovations, a relative positioning command, an absolute positioning command, and other commands, e.g., for sensing current position.

Abstract: A storage management system, apparatus, and method to increase the storage capacity of data storage media. Applicants' method uses a data storage device comprising a fixed device architecture, where that data storage device is capable of operating in a first capacity mode or in a second capacity mode, and where that data storage device is capable of switching between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode. In certain embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format. In other embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format. A computer code product comprising a data management system which includes an operating system and data storage device microcode, which supports the capability to switch between alternative information storage architectures, and thereby, increase the capacity utilization of data storage media.

Abstract: A method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. A data storage device comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for implementing Applicants' method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. A data storage and retrieval system comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for implementing Applicants' method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. Computer program products embodied as program code stored in one or more memory devices, such as a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, or other non-volatile memory device disposed in a host computer, a data storage device, and/or a library controller.

Abstract: A method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. A data storage device comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for implementing Applicants' method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. A data storage and retrieval system comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for implementing Applicants' method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. Computer program products embodied as program code stored in one or more memory devices, such as a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, or other non-volatile memory device disposed in a host computer, a data storage device, and/or a library controller.

Abstract: A method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. A data storage device comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for implementing Applicants' method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. A data storage and retrieval system comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for implementing Applicants' method to record information on a data storage medium using buffered tape marks. Computer program products embodied as program code stored in one or more memory devices, such as a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, or other non-volatile memory device disposed in a host computer, a data storage device, and/or a library controller.

Abstract: A method for fast multiple file write operations using a deferred conditional a write tape mark command and a deferred conditional tape mark indicator. A data storage and retrieval system comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for implementing Applicants' method for fast multiple file write operations. A data management system comprising computer program products embodied as program code stored in one or more memory devices, such as a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, or another non-volatile memory device, disposed in a host computer and/or a data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A storage management system, apparatus, and method to increase the storage capacity of data storage media. Applicants' method uses a data storage device comprising a fixed device architecture, where that data storage device is capable of operating in a first capacity mode or in a second capacity mode, and where that data storage device is capable of switching between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode. In certain embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format. In other embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format.

Abstract: The present invention provides fast read performance for accessing a file from a multiplicity of files when its corresponding Block ID is unavailable, by furnishing new file-positioning commands, allowing access to data based on File Number, at the same fast locate speed as with Block Ids, thereby expanding the range of applications that can use certain tape drive systems effectively. The present invention includes both a device architecture for supporting the file oriented positioning and the appending, as well as a software system that can permit easy application access to the device facilities and system components which permit the advantages to accrue without any software application or operator changes, including a robust architecture for navigating residual data, e.g., for data recovery. The present invention comprises several device command innovations, a relative positioning command, an absolute positioning command, and other commands, e.g., for sensing current position.