Abstract: A method for electronically providing identification of a removable data cartridge is disclosed. In one step, an identifier is programmed into the removable data cartridge. A command is received to provide a machine-readable marking from the removable data cartridge. An identifier is read from within the removable data cartridge. The machine-readable marking is determined using the identifier. Responding to the command with a response, where the response provides the machine-readable marking.

Abstract: Data replication systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises at a system controller of a disk device, receiving data at a system controller of a removable cartridge storage device, transferring the data to a first portable data cartridge and transferring the data to a second portable data cartridge. The first and second portable data cartridges are electrically coupled with the system controller and removably coupled with the removable cartridge storage device.

Abstract: A virtual cartridge autoloader system is provided. A first autoloader device has multiple cartridge holders. Each cartridge holder is configured for electrical communication with removable data cartridges having electronic interfaces. The first autoloader device performs virtual loading functions on the removable data cartridges using an electronic switch. A second autoloader device distinct from the first autoloader device is electrically interfaced with the first autoloader device. The second autoloader device also has multiple cartridge holders, each of which also is configured for electrical communication with removable data cartridges having electronic interfaces. The second autoloader device also performs virtual loading functions on the removable data cartridges using an electronic switch. A controller is configured to receive media changer commands from a host computer for the first autoloader device and for the second autoloader device. The autoloaders may thereby be operated as a single device.

Abstract: An archival cartridge management system for conditioning removable data cartridges and normal archival operations is disclosed. The archival cartridge management system includes a cartridge holder and a controller. The cartridge holder has a connector configured for coupling to a removable data cartridge. The connector is coupled to the controller, which performs archival functions on removable data cartridges. The controller reads from removable data cartridges to determine if at least some data stored on a removable data cartridge should be refreshed. If so, the controller refreshes data stored on the removable data cartridge.

Abstract: Removable cartridge storage devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the removable cartridge storage device comprises a plurality of cartridge holders, each of the cartridge holders including an electrical connector configured to removably couple with a mating electrical connector of a portable data cartridge having an electronic interface, a system controller configured to control data operations, and a switch, coupled between the cartridge holders and the system controller, to electronically switch connections between the system controller and each of the cartridge holders.

Abstract: According to the invention, an electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system is disclosed. The electronic data storage cartridge includes a cartridge body, a connector, an optical waveguide, and a hard disk drive. The cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces. The connector can be used for removable coupling to the computing system, where the connector couples information outside the cartridge body. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces. The hard drive coupled to the connector.

Abstract: According to the invention, a storage system for emulating a first interface command set different from a second interface command set of a second interface is disclosed. The storage system includes an interface connector, an interface circuit, an interface driver, and a cartridge controller. The interface connector is configured to removably couple with a storage cartridge, which includes the second interface and uses the second interface command set. The interface circuit is coupled to the interface connector. The interface driver manages operation of the interface circuit. The cartridge controller uses the first interface command set and is logically coupled to the interface driver. The cartridge controller software translates the first interface command set for the interface driver. The first interface command set is for tape drives.