Abstract: A data storage device includes storage media with multiple media zone attributes of storage performance. The storage device includes a data channel that is connectable to a host system. The data channel receives an object from the host system that has a requested storage attribute attached to the object. The storage device comprises an object-based storage interface that couples between the data channel and the storage media. The object-based storage interface schedules the object for storage in a selected zone of the multiple media zones based on the attributes and requested attributes.

Abstract: A data storage device with deterministic caching and retention capabilities to effect file level data transfers with a host device. The data storage device includes a data recording medium on which user data are stored and a data transducing head which accesses the stored data, an operating system kernel module having a virtual file system, and a deterministic caching module. A file level request issued by the host device is processed by the virtual file system and passed to the deterministic caching module which converts the file level request into a number of block oriented access commands to access a selected number of data sectors on the medium associated with the file level request. A sort priority is assigned to each access command in relation to at least one identified characteristic of the file level request. The access commands are executed in relation to the assigned sort priorities.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accessing a block data storage device through a computer network to carry out remote diagnostic operations. The data storage device includes a data storage medium, a host interface port, a serial communication (COM) port and a programmable controller with associated platform firmware and associated diagnostic firmware. A client computer and a server computer are connected to a computer network, and the data storage device is connected to the server computer via the host interface port. The server computer is used to transmit a first command to cause the controller to execute the platform firmware, while the client computer is used to transmit a second command to the COM port of the data storage device to cause the controller to concurrently execute the diagnostic firmware to monitor operation of the platform firmware.

Abstract: A data storage device with deterministic caching and retention capabilities to effect file level data transfers with a host device. The data storage device includes a data recording medium on which user data are stored and a data transducing head which accesses the stored data, an operating system kernel module having a virtual file system, and a deterministic caching module. A file level request issued by the host device is processed by the virtual file system and passed to the deterministic caching module which converts the file level request into a number of block oriented access commands to access a selected number of data sectors on the medium associated with the file level request. A sort priority is assigned to each access command in relation to at least one identified characteristic of the file level request. The access commands are executed in relation to the assigned sort priorities.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accessing a block data storage device through a computer network to carry out remote diagnostic operations. The data storage device includes a data storage medium, a host interface port, a serial communication (COM) port and a programmable controller with associated platform firmware and associated diagnostic firmware. A client computer and a server computer are connected to a computer network, and the data storage device is connected to the server computer via the host interface port. The server computer is used to transmit a first command to cause the controller to execute the platform firmware, while the client computer is used to transmit a second command to the COM port of the data storage device to cause the controller to concurrently execute the diagnostic firmware to monitor operation of the platform firmware.