Abstract: To customize products, a first entity receives generic products from a supplier entity, wherein the generic products include base software. The first entity provides a customization component for at least a subset of the generic products. Base software in at least the subset of the generic products is executed at the first entity to interact with the customization component to customize at least one feature of at least the subset of generic products.

Abstract: Storage apparatus and related methods for managing removable media. A controller is configured to manage the removable media. A user interface is coupled to the controller for displaying errors. When an error displayed on the user interface is selected, the controller causes the user interface to display additional information related to the error from an event log. For example, when the error is selected, a complete error log for an individual error or a screen display showing all current errors, if there are multiple ones, is displayed.

Abstract: Storage apparatus and related methods for inventorying removable media. A controller is configured to robotically manage the removable media and to inventory the media after power-up using a default inventory method. An operator control panel is coupled to the controller and is configurable to solicit one of a number of alternate inventory methods from a user during power-up. Various user interfaces may be provided including a graphical user interface, a web interface and a command line interface. Password security may be provided that is a function of the risk an operator is required to assume when choosing a particular mode.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods that are operative to transmit error logs to a support organization. A controller controls and monitors a robotics assembly that loads and unloads storage media into and from storage devices. An operator control panel coupled to the controller controls functions of and displays information regarding the apparatus. An interface component communicates between the controller and a support organization. An algorithm displays a menu item for requesting that error logs be sent to the support organization, and transmits a request to the component to query the storage devices to generate a support ticket comprising error logs associated with the storage devices, combine the support tickets into a single composite file for transmission, and transmit the composite file to the support organization.

Abstract: Storage media cartridge handling apparatus is disclosed that comprises: a frame to support first and second laterally spaced arrays of cartridge access locations extending in a front-back direction, and at least one laterally extending further array of cartridge access locations, the cartridge access locations facing inwardly of the frame; an up-down drive arrangement disengageably engageable with an accessor carriage to move the carriage up and down in a region between the first and second arrays, to access locations in the first, second and further arrays; and at least one lateral displacement path within the frame along which the carriage can exit and enter the frame laterally. A storage media cartridge library and an accessor carriage are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multimedia drive receives different types of media in a single drive. The multimedia drive includes a drive to receive a media cartridge, such as a tape media cartridge or a non-tape media cartridge. The multimedia drive includes a tape media interface to connect to a tape cartridge, and includes a non-tape media interface to connect to a non-tape media cartridge.

Abstract: A multimedia drive receives different types of media in a single drive. The multimedia drive includes a drive to receive a media cartridge, such as a tape media cartridge or a non-tape media cartridge. The multimedia drive includes a tape media interface to connect to a tape cartridge, and includes a non-tape media interface to connect to a non-tape media cartridge.

Abstract: Storage apparatus and related methods wherein an operator control panel that controls functions and displays information regarding the storage apparatus and its storage devices is configured to have or display a selectable thumbtack function. The operator control panel is configurable to show a number of operational screens for managing the storage apparatus, show a default screen after a period of inactivity at the operator control panel, receive a designation that an operational screen should replace the default screen, and if designated, show the designated operational screen instead of the default screen after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: Storage media cartridge handling apparatus (10) is disclosed that comprises: a frame (20) to support first and second laterally spaced arrays (41, 42) of cartridge access locations extending in a front-back direction, and at least one laterally extending further array (50) of cartridge access locations, the cartridge access locations facing inwardly of the frame: an up-down drive arrangement disengagably engagagable with an accessor carriage (80) to move the carriage up and down in a region between the first and second arrays, to access locations in the first, second and further arrays (41, 42, 50); and at least one lateral displacement path within the frame along which the carriage can exit and enter the frame laterally. A storage media cartridge library and an accessor carriage (80) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods wherein communication capabilities are provided that allow information to be shared between devices installed in the apparatus to extend the functionality of the apparatus. A controller comprising a communication link is coupled to an operator control panel that controls functions of and displays information regarding the apparatus. An installable component that is operable to extend the functionality of the apparatus when coupled to the communication link, and is operable to discover services that are sharable between the controller and the component. When communications are established, the operator control panel via the shared services is also capable of controlling functions of and displaying information regarding the component.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods having a controller for controlling and monitoring a robotics assembly that loads and unloads storage media into and from storage devices and an operator control panel coupled to the controller for controlling functions of and displaying information regarding the apparatus. A user interface that is displayable on the operator control panel is operative to allow input of a storage media characteristic, locate media using the input storage media characteristic, and retrieve the location of the desired storage media corresponding to the characteristic that was input.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting a device to a rack system. One embodiment of a system comprises a frame assembly. At least two rails mounted on opposite sides of the frame assembly. A plurality of hangers provided on opposite sides of the device retracting to fit the device into the frame assembly between the at least two rails. The plurality of hangers engaging the at least two rails to support the device on the at least two rails in the frame assembly.

Abstract: To customize products, a first entity receives generic products from a supplier entity, wherein the generic products include base software. The first entity provides a customization component for at least a subset of the generic products. Base software in at least the subset of the generic products is executed at the first entity to interact with the customization component to customize at least one feature of at least the subset of generic products.

Abstract: An air plenum includes a main body that is sized to enclose at least a portion of a device. The main body extends a distance beyond a port provided on the device and also defines an opening therein that is substantially aligned with the port provided on the device. A cover sized to substantially cover the opening in the main body includes a recessed portion that is inset with respect to a non-recessed portion of the cover by a distance that is about equal to the distance by which the main body extends beyond the port provided on the device. The recessed portion defines an opening therein that is substantially aligned with the port so that the recessed portion in the cover allows a user to access the port on the device.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods wherein a controller and operator control panel are provided that cooperate to control functions and display information regarding the apparatus. The controller and operator control panel is configured to implement an inventory service level function that selectively displays a selectable skip inventory item, if the skip inventory item was selected, during a succeeding power-up cycle, displays a selectable take inventory item that overrides skipping of the inventory to cause the power-up inventory to be taken, displays a countdown timer that indicates a time period during which the take inventory item may be selected, and skips the power-up inventory if the take inventory item is not selected during the countdown period.

Abstract: Electrical-optical signal conversion for an automated storage system. In an exemplary implementation, an automated storage system comprises a plurality of storage cells for removable hard disk drives and a backplane including at least one electrical connection to connect the removable hard disk drives to the backplane. Transfer robotics are operable to access the removable hard disk drives in the storage cells and electrically connect the removable hard disk drives to the backplane via the at least one electrical connection. A backplane interface is operable to convert electrical data signals from the removable hard disk drives electrically connected at the backplane to optical signals for delivery to a system controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving data related to a data cartridge contained in a multi-plane media storage system. One or more data retrieval devices are attached to the cartridge access device. A transponder is attached to the data cartridge for storing the related data, and at least one reader attached to a cartridge access device of the media storage system is positionable adjacent the data cartridge for reading the related data from the transponder. A scanner adapted to scan bar code indicia on the data cartridges may also be attached to the cartridge access device at the opposite end from the reader.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for media storage systems with plural robotic elements. One embodiment is a media storage system that has storage libraries connected together to form a stack. Each storage library includes a storage location for holding plural data cartridges and a picker for transporting the data cartridges. A read/write device is located in a housing that is separated from the storage libraries. A cartridge-handling apparatus transports the data cartridges from the storage libraries to the read/write device.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods having a controller for controlling and monitoring a robotics assembly that loads and unloads storage media into and from storage devices and an operator control panel coupled to the controller for controlling functions of and displaying information regarding the apparatus. A user interface that is displayable on the operator control panel is operative to allow input of a storage media characteristic, locate media using the input storage media characteristic, and retrieve the location of the desired storage media corresponding to the characteristic that was input.

Abstract: Storage apparatus and methods that allow direct ordering of storage supplies from a vendor. Exemplary storage apparatus comprises a housing, and a controller contained within the housing that is configured to robotically manage removable media. A communications module is coupled to the controller for communicating with the vendor. An operator control panel is attached to the housing, is coupled to the controller, and is configurable to allow a user to order storage supplies from the vendor via the communications module. As a result, the storage supplies are ordered directly from the storage apparatus.