Abstract: A system employing a storage device and a host for configuration information exchange between the host and the storage device. In operation, the host manages host configuration information in a data management layer of a communication model, and communicates the host configuration information to the storage device by one or more data communication layers of the communication model. Likewise, the storage device manages storage device configuration information in the data management layer of the communication model, and communicates the storage device configuration information to the host by one or more data communication layers of the communication model.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a library manager for communicating with a plurality of logical libraries having data organized therein and stored on sequential access media therein, wherein the library manager controls movement operations of a plurality of shuttle cars along one or more shuttle pathways, wherein each of the shuttle cars are for transporting a sequential access medium between any of the plurality of logical libraries, wherein each of the logical libraries comprises at least one local station for sending and/or receiving shuttle cars to and/or from the plurality of logical libraries, wherein the one or more shuttle pathways connect the stations in a multi-drop arrangement, wherein each destination station is represented by a unique export-only address, and wherein all source stations are represented by a common import-only address. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are also described according to various embodiments.

Abstract: Write protection for data of a rewritable data storage cartridge having partitions is provided in certain circumstances by providing logical write protection; and in response to detection of an application issuing at least one partition-based command with respect to the rewritable data storage cartridge, the logical write protection is disabled with respect to the detected application. Thus, where the cartridge has a non-default index addressing location, in response to detection of an application issuing at least one command initially addressing a location other than the non-default index location, logical write protection is enabled with respect to the detected application; and if the non-default index location is addressed, the logical write protection is disabled.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving metadata corresponding to data on a removable storage device/medium, storing the metadata to a metadata repository that is not on the removable storage device/medium, associating an identifier with the stored metadata (the identifier corresponding to the removable storage medium/device), and storing the identifier to the metadata repository. According to another embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith. The computer readable program code comprises computer readable program code configured to: receive metadata corresponding to data on a removable storage device/medium, store the metadata to a metadata repository, associate an identifier corresponding to the removable storage device/medium with the stored metadata, and store the identifier to the metadata repository. Other methods, systems, and devices are presented as well.

Abstract: A library is reset as needed in a manner non-disruptive to a host system providing a host command to a drive interfacing with the host system on behalf of the library during a reset of the library. To this end, the drive confirms a receipt of a host command to the host system on behalf of the library in response to the drive receiving the host command from the host system, and the library commands the drive to transmit the host command to the library subsequent to a reset of the library based on the drive receiving the host command from the host system during the reset of the library.

Abstract: A storage subsystem, method of automatically maintaining the subsystem hardware configuration up to date and program product therefor. The storage subsystem automatically initiates hardware discovery in response to a triggering event. Subsystem hardware information is collected during hardware discovery and checked against a current configuration to identify hardware changes. Whenever hardware changes are identified, the subsystem configures the hardware and calibrates newly configured hardware. So, hardware changes may be automatically discovered, configured and calibrated free from operator intervention.

Abstract: A library includes a frame, a plurality of cartridge slots disposed within the frame and at least one counter configured to determine the presence of cartridges stored within the plurality of cartridge slots without removing the cartridges. The library also includes at least one controller in communication with the counter and configured to count a number of cartridges within the cartridge slots and compare the counted number to a capacity on demand value.

Abstract: A system employing a storage device and a host for configuration information exchange between the host and the storage device. In operation, the host manages host configuration information in a data management layer of a communication model, and communicates the host configuration information to the storage device by one or more data communication layers of the communication model. Likewise, the storage device manages storage device configuration information in the data management layer of the communication model, and communicates the storage device configuration information to the host by one or more data communication layers of the communication model.

Abstract: A system employing a storage device and a host for configuration information exchange between the host and the storage device. In operation, the host manages host configuration information in a data management layer of a communication model, and communicates the host configuration information to the storage device by one or more data communication layers of the communication model. Likewise, the storage device manages storage device configuration information in the data management layer of the communication model, and communicates the storage device configuration information to the host by one or more data communication layers of the communication model.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data stored on storage media contained in cartridges in response to commands from an external host. The cartridges include cartridge memory and a component in the library includes a cartridge memory interface for reading data from and/or writing data to the cartridge memory. When a cartridge is to be stored in the library, the library modifies the contents of the cartridge memory such that the data stored on the cartridge becomes inaccessible, thereby preventing access to the data outside of the library. To perform an authorized access, the library restores the contents of the cartridge memory or provides a correction or correction algorithm to allow access to the data without removing the access protection of the storage media. The cartridge memory may also or alternatively include an identifier which permits access to the data only by the identified physical and/or logical library(s).

Abstract: A library includes a frame, a plurality of cartridge slots disposed within the frame and at least one counter configured to determine the presence of cartridges stored within the plurality of cartridge slots without removing the cartridges. The library also includes at least one controller in communication with the counter and configured to count a number of cartridges within the cartridge slots and compare the counted number to a capacity on demand value.

Abstract: A removable media storage network environment employs a media management system for managing a removable media system on behalf of client applications, and a media management agent to enhance the management of the removable media system by the media management system. The media management agent operates to determine an operational state of the removable media system, and to enhance an availability and a performance of the removable media system as managed by a media management system, wherein one or more one error recovery techniques are conditionally initiated based on the determined operational state of the removable media system and wherein the media management system is conditionally reconfigured based on the determined operational state of the removable media system.

Abstract: A method for a removable media storage network environment that employs a media management system for managing a removable media system on behalf of client applications, and a media management agent to enhance the management of the removable media system by the media management system. The media management agent operates to determine an operational state of the removable media system, and to enhance an availability and a performance of the removable media system as managed by a media management system, wherein one or more one error recovery techniques are conditionally initiated based on the determined operational state of the removable media system and wherein the media management system is conditionally reconfigured based on the determined operational state of the removable media system.

Abstract: Logic circuits and operations respond to received various control signals, including (1) data exchange commands directing the drive to read and/or write data to a media item mounted by the drive, and (2) robotic device management commands. The logic responds to incoming data exchange commands by reading and/or writing to the loaded media item. The processor responds to at least some robotic device management signals by forwarding them to a robotic media transport device. The processor withholds the data exchange commands from the robotic device, since they are only pertinent to operations of the drive itself. The robotic device may be configured to restrict host access to library components according to predefined logical partitions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deep slot magazine storage library including a library housing defining a magazine cavity and including an active robotic end and a magazine loading and unloading end. Also included is a plurality of deep slot magazines storable by height and width within the magazine cavity, wherein each of the plurality of deep slot magazines is individually removable from the magazine cavity and wherein each of the plurality of deep slot magazines defines a cartridge cavity. Further included is a plurality of vertical magazine supports disposed within the magazine cavity, wherein the plurality of vertical magazine supports allow individual support of each of the plurality of deep slot magazines. Still further included is a plurality of cartridges removably storable by height, width, and depth within a plurality of cartridge slots defined by at least one cartridge support guide disposed within the cartridge cavity.

Abstract: A system employing a storage device and a host for configuration information exchange between the host and the storage device. In operation, the host manages host configuration information in a data management layer of a communication model, and communicates the host configuration information to the storage device by one or more data communication layers of the communication model. Likewise, the storage device manages storage device configuration information in the data management layer of the communication model, and communicates the storage device configuration information to the host by one or more data communication layers of the communication model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system that relates to a tape library radio frequency identification (RFID) tag testing system. The system comprising, an automated tape library with a plurality of tapes in the library. A RFID tag attached to each of the plurality of tapes. A tag health monitoring device able to read the quality of a return signal from the plurality of RFID tags, and a processor for analyzing and reporting on the quality data gathered.

Abstract: A dual purpose media drive exchanges data with removable media items. The drive includes at least one port to receive various control signals, including (1) data exchange commands directing the drive to read and/or write data to a media item mounted by the drive, and (2) robotic device management commands. The drive includes a processor that responds to incoming data exchange commands by reading and/or writing to the loaded media item. The processor responds to at least some robotic device management signals by forwarding them to a robotic media transport device. The processor withholds the data exchange commands from the robotic device, since they are only pertinent to operations of the drive itself. The robotic device may be configured to restrict host access to library components according to predefined logical partitions.

Abstract: Methods, system and computer program product are provided for managing and tracking on-demand removable, serialized data resources, such as storage frames, storage drives and media, in an automated data storage library. Storage frames, data storage drives and media are tracked by the automated data storage library to prevent use or misappropriation until authorized. Alternatively, or additionally, the data storage drives may be prevented from being used until instructed to do so. In addition, the media may be prevented from being used until modification is made to the medium or cartridge memory of the data storage media.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data stored on storage media contained in cartridges in response to commands from an external host. The cartridges may include cartridge memory and a component in the library may include a cartridge memory interface for reading data from and/or writing data to the cartridge memory. When a cartridge is to be stored in the library, the library modifies the contents of the cartridge memory, or the contents of the storage media such that the data stored on the cartridge becomes inaccessible, thereby preventing access to the data outside of the library. To perform an authorized access, the library restores the contents of the cartridge memory or the storage media. Alternatively, the library provides a correction or correction algorithm to the drive to allow access to the data stored on the storage media without removing the access protection of the storage media.