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: A method to activate a code update in a data storage drive. The method provides a code update to the data storage drive while the data storage drive performs normal drive operations. The method then detects a host computer transparent event, and activates the code update during that host computer transparent event.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from an external host. The library receives and activates a firmware update in a processor node and determines whether a library door has been opened and/or closed during the code activation. Only if a library door has been opened and/or closed will an inventory of the storage media be performed.

Abstract: A data storage library features multipurpose slots each configured to receive a media drive (operable to read/write data from/to media removably loaded into the media drive) a command relay port (operable to convey media transport signals from a host to a shared robotic media transport device), or various other modules. The robotic device is programmed to recognize whether each slot is empty or whether it is filled with a component such as a media drive or a command relay port, and to thereafter communicate with the occupant appropriately.

Abstract: A data storage library features multipurpose slots each configured to receive a media drive (operable to read/write data from/to media removably loaded into the media drive) a command relay port (operable to convey media transport signals from a host to a shared robotic media transport device), or various other modules. The robotic device is programmed to recognize whether each slot is empty or whether it is filled with a component such as a media drive or a command relay port, and to thereafter communicate with the occupant appropriately.

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.