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 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: 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: 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: 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 related methods for managing removable media. A controller is coupled to an operator control panel and is in communication with an user interface. The controller is configured to robotically manage the removable media and to monitor a licensed storage capacity of the storage apparatus, and can communicate with an authorization source. When the storage capacity reaches a predetermined level of the licensed storage capacity, the user interface displays a prompt to acquire additional licensed storage capacity.