Abstract: A method and system for copying backup data is disclosed. Backup data may be copied to a first virtual tape library in the same format as it would be copied to a physical tape library. The backup data may also be electronically copied to a second virtual tape library or to a physical tape library.

Abstract: A system and method for exporting a virtual tape from a virtual tape library. The system preferably presents a user with a user interface styled for manipulating a physical tape library. The virtual tape library performs the data storage and retrieval functions. The system includes the user interface having a plurality of user selectable fields styled to interface with the physical tape library. A data storage medium has at least one virtual library and/or virtual tape defined thereon. The data storage medium is capable of storing a plurality of data in the at least one virtual library and/or virtual tape. A physical data storage device is detachably able to be put in communication with the at least one virtual library and/or virtual tape to receive at least a portion of the plurality of data therefrom.

Abstract: A method of importing a plurality of data from a physical data storage device into a virtual tape library system that is used with a data protection application. The virtual tape library system is usable with an existing data protection application designed for use with a physical tape library without modifying the existing data protection application. The method includes: triggering a signal representing a command to import the plurality of data from the physical data storage device; providing a controller that receives the signal; providing a data storage medium in communication with the controller, the data storage medium has at least one virtual library defined thereon; and copying at least a portion of the plurality of data from the physical data storage device to a virtual tape.

Abstract: A method and system for copying backup data to a virtual tape library (VTL) where additional copies of data written to the VTL may be created and used for offsite storage is disclosed. Backup data written to the VTL may be copied to the VTL's default storage area as well as a predetermined set of disks that may be removed and stored offsite, as desired.

Abstract: A method and system for emulating tape library commands is disclosed. Tape library commands implemented in response to commands received from a data protection application are emulated in a disk based storage medium so that existing data protection applications may be used to copy data to and from the disk based storage medium.

Abstract: A system and method for exporting a virtual tape from a virtual tape library. The system preferably presents a user with a user interface styled for manipulating a physical tape library. The virtual tape library performs the data storage and retrieval functions. The system includes the user interface having a plurality of user selectable fields styled to interface with the physical tape library. A data storage medium has at least one virtual library and/or virtual tape defined thereon. The data storage medium is capable of storing a plurality of data in the at least one virtual library and/or virtual tape. A physical data storage device is detachably able to be put in communication with the at least one virtual library and/or virtual tape to receive at least a portion of the plurality of data therefrom.

Abstract: A system for the storage and retrieval of data files includes a data disk, a configuration disk and a controller. Each data file includes one or more data blocks, each data block comprising a data section. The data disk stores the data blocks and is divided into a plurality of block groups. The configuration disk stores a copy of at least a portion of the corresponding meta-data. The controller controls both the data disk and the configuration disk.

Abstract: A method of importing a plurality of data from a physical data storage device into a virtual tape library system that is used with a data protection application. The virtual tape library system is usable with an existing data protection application designed for use with a physical tape library without modifying the existing data protection application. The method includes: triggering a signal representing a command to import the plurality of data from the physical data storage device; providing a controller that receives the signal; providing a data storage medium in communication with the controller, the data storage medium has at least one virtual library defined thereon; and copying at least a portion of the plurality of data from the physical data storage device to a virtual tape.

Abstract: A method and system for copying backup data is disclosed. Backup data may be copied to a first virtual tape library in the same format as it would be copied to a physical tape library. The backup data may also be electronically copied to a second virtual tape library or to a physical tape library.

Abstract: A method of protecting a data storage system including the steps of: providing a disk system including a plurality of disk modules, each disk module containing a disk controller and a disk driver, the disk driver being in detachable electrical communication with the disk controller; and physically disconnecting the disk controller from the disk driver for any of the plurality of disk modules that are not required by the data storage system for the transfer of data.