Abstract: The present invention defines a transaction management contract between an application server and a resource adapter and its underlying resource manager that allows an application server to utilize local transactions on a resource manager and avoid the overhead of an external transaction manager. The transaction management contract incorporates two aspects that apply to different types of transactions. The first aspect provides an application level transaction contract between a transaction manager and a resource manager based on javax.transaction.xa.XAResource of the J2EE specification. The second aspect is local transaction management contract. These contracts enable application server to provide the infrastructure and runtime environment for transaction management. An application component relies on this transaction infrastructure to support its component level transaction model.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for managing a high volume of request reaching a file server which avoids slowing down of the request of all client computers. The system serves a limited number of clients at one time, and deploys an applet to other requesting clients which is programmed to check the server at a later time for availability, and through which a client user can be informed of estimated times to start and complete the download. A second aspect of the invention is a system managing traffic through a gateway between an Intranet and the Internet which accepts web resource requests along with threshold time value. The system matches up requests for the same resource received from different clients, and issues a single request for the matched up requests. The threshold time values of the requests may correspond to off peak hours when the gateway's resources are not over utilized. Methods and software for the systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for providing a connection to a merchant server implementing a merchant electronic commerce (e-commerce) web site at a customer computer. A request is received from the customer computer, through a third party internet service provider (ISP), for a web page from the merchant server made from a link within a web page from a third party server. An installation program is transmitted to the customer computer in response to the request from the customer computer. The installation program executes on the customer computer to install an access program on the customer computer that when executed by the customer computer opens a direct connection from the customer computer to the merchant server without going through the third party ISP.

Abstract: The invention provides for servicing a client. A request is received from a client having certain capabilities. This request is automatically satisfied in a manner tailored to the capabilities of the client.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic relevance-base sharing information between handheld devices are provided. A centralized location stores interest profiles of a plurality of users of handheld devices. A profile agent and a sharing agent in a computing device obtain, from the centralized location, a list of users with profiles similar to the profile of a user operating the computing device and mark sharable items of such user with users to whom the item is relevant. The synchronizer synchronizes the list and the marked sharable items to the handheld device of the user operating the computing device. The logic embedded in the handheld device allows automatic relevance-based sharing of items between the handheld device and other handheld devices.

Abstract: A computer-based method for use in an asynchronous messaging system comprises the steps of: (i) defining at least one message delivery outcome condition for at least one message to be sent in the system and associating the message delivery outcome condition with the message to be sent in the system; (ii) sending the message with the associated message delivery outcome condition in the system; and (iii) monitoring the delivery of the sent message and evaluating the delivery outcome of the message with respect to the associated message delivery outcome condition such that a sender of the message may be notified as to the outcome of the delivery of the message to final recipients.

Abstract: This invention relates to graphical email content analyser and prioritizer in an email system comprising a means for the user to define search parameters and possible values for each parameter with corresponding graphical images, for identifying and/or prioritizing received email messages, a means for parsing the contents of the email header and body contents and displaying the parameter values of the said messages in graphical form using the said graphical images, a means for grouping, and prioritising the said graphical message displays in accordance with user-defined requirements, and a means for accessing any message selected from the said graphical display.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for analyzing a collection of communication messages. The communication messages may be any one of a collection of electronic mail messages, voicemail messages, instant messaging dialogues and other forms of communications. The collections of communications, such as electronic mail messages, may be selected by a user and then subsequently processed to determine the identity of any of the user's contacts within the communications. The contacts may then be arranged in a relative priority arrangement whereby contacts which have been identified as engaging in prior reciprocal communications with the user are given higher priority. Higher priority may also be given to contacts which engage in more recent communications with the user. Specific contact relationships may be inferred from the communications depending on whether specific contacts are repeatedly mentioned within the communication messages.

Abstract: A method for forwarding an e-mail message from a disfavored e-mail address to a forwarding e-mail address via a remote e-mail forwarding computer having a unique e-mail address. An e-mail message is sent from a user to the remote e-mail forwarding computer. The remote e-mail forwarding computer parses the intended e-mail address from the e-mail message to determine if there is a disfavored e-mail address associated with the intended e-mail address. The e-mail message is sent from the remote computer to the computers associated with the forwarding address[es] if there is determined at least one disfavored e-mail address is associated with the intended e-mail address.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically monitoring Simple Network Manageable Devices. A processor accesses a memory storage device to retrieve a device definition file and an interface definition file associated with each interface referenced in the device definition file. The processor creates a Device-Type-Specific Formula-Monitor Definitions (DTSFMD) data structure based on information contained within the device definition file and the interface definition files and stores the DTSFMD data structure in the storage device. The processor accesses a communication network to retrieve information used to identify the types of devices and associated interfaces located within the communication network. Based on the retrieved information, the devices are identified as a router, a switch, a repeater or a device for which no monitoring is to occur.

Abstract: A system for managing computer resource usage quotas includes a distributed gateway service, a plurality of clients, an internal network, a distributed storage service a system management service, a configuration database, and a distributed metadata service. A method for managing computer resource usage quotas applied to a plurality of users of data includes the steps of defining one or more resource classes, defining at least one usage policy for the resource classes, tracking quota usage for the usage quotas in accordance with the usage policy, and enforcing quota usage for the usage quotas, and storing the data in accord with the resource class definitions. Optionally, the quota usage may be aggregated.

Abstract: A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model layers functioning therein includes monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network. A quality of service event is determined whether to have occurred in the multi-layered network. The quality of service event is determined to have occurred at a layer N in the OSI reference model. Network provisioning is changed at a layer less than N in response to the quality of service event, and a signal is provided when the network provisioning at the layer less than N has been changed. A system for providing broadband communications includes a multi-layered network, a network monitor, and a network controller. The multi-layered network has a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model layers functioning therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for remotely storing usage data associated with monitored assets of an enterprise. A typical system includes a local data store for storing usage data associated with monitored assets of an enterprise. A usage data aggregation system with access to the local data store is used to aggregate data from the monitored assets and to store the aggregated data in the local data store. A local server also with access to the local data store supports the transmission of the stored usage data from the local data store to a remote server. The system will also typically utilize a remote server having access to a remote data store. The remote server is utilized to receive the usage data transmitted by the local server. After receiving the data, the remote server stores it in the remote data store.

Abstract: The Wireless Integrated Network Sensor Next Generation (WINS NG) nodes provide distributed network and Internet access to sensors, controls, and processors that are deeply embedded in equipment, facilities, and the environment. The WINS NG network is a new monitoring and control capability for applications in transportation, manufacturing, health care, environmental monitoring, and safety and security. The WINS NG nodes combine microsensor technology, low power distributed signal processing, low power computation, and low power, low cost wireless and/or wired networking capability in a compact system. The WINS NG networks provide sensing, local control, remote reconfigurability, and embedded intelligent systems in structures, materials, and environments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating data transmission in a network are described. A first data request is received at a first intermediate platform, the first data request indicating a source platform and a destination platform. The first data request is redirected by the first intermediate platform to a first cache platform associated with the intermediate platform. Data received from the first cache platform and corresponding to the first data request are transmitted from the first intermediate platform to the source platform, the transmission indicating origination from the destination platform.

Abstract: A proximity-based content control method “propagates” or positions content based upon “proximity” between various nodes on a network. The nodes between which the content is propagated include content libraries, servers, and clients. In one case, the relative proximities of two content servers to a particular client or group of clients determines which of these servers serves client requests. In another case, the method employs anticipatory loading of content from a library to a server based upon the server's proximity to a given client-base. Yet another application involves adding or removing server capacity to a network based upon proximity to clients. Another application applies proximity affects to cache release algorithms. A “content control system” calculates proximity dynamically and automatically decides whether to move content based upon the proximity calculation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for associating an end-to-end call identifier with a connection in a multimedia packet network. An end-to-end call identifier (EECID) is provided to uniquely identify a call leg across a packet network, regardless of the number of nodes used in completing the network path. The EECID allows for call association with a bearer connection so that high level call processing and low level bearer connection management can function independently but correlated by media gateways and media gateway controllers. Either a media gateway or media gateway controller can generate the EECID before establishing a connection for a call. The EECID is then sent to remote media gateways and media gateway controllers. The bearer connection can be setup by a media gateway at either end of the connection with respect to where the EECID is generated.

Abstract: A method and an interface unit (10) for controlling access to a server (6) by one or more clients (4). The unit (10) includes a monitoring means (22) which monitors resource usage of the server (6) and admission means (20) which allows a connection of one client to pass to the server (6) if the connection forms part of an active session. The admission means (20) also rejects or allows a new connection of another client to pass to the server (6) in accordance with an admission control scheme.

Abstract: Data transfer is controlled between a first network and a second network of computers by a firewall-proxy combination. Active interpretation of protocol commands exchanged between the first network and the second network is performed to determine specific actions concerning completion of the protocol request. This active firewall-proxy combination may exist on either the first or second network of computers. This method of control provides centralized control and administration for all potentially reachable resources within a network.

Abstract: When a request processing unit 2a receives processing request including memory access, it executes processing in accordance with the request, and when memory access takes place, it outputs access request to address designated by the processing request. A memory access proxy unit 2b sets memory protection information 1a of object 1 at a memory management unit 3a to output memory access instruction to a processor 3. The memory management unit 3a generates exception when memory access instruction from the memory access proxy unit 2b is access except for area set as memory protection information 1a. Thus, it is possible to carry out, at high speed, with high reliability, memory access such that, in accordance with request of an object, other object executes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for control and supervision of residential control in a broadband network (10). It comprises at least one of the following features port control, class of service assurance, forced direction for network login, abuse and anti-spoof protection, provided by hardware and software broadband network (10) dedicated means (22, 24, 26, 28, 30). Thereby the system is providing services differentiation for customers to the network (10).

Abstract: A service provider network (16) and method therein operates to dynamically reduce the bandwidth required for data. The service provider network (16) includes a memory (20) for storing subscriber information of a subscriber device (12), a data engine (22) for receiving a generic data request from the subscriber device (12), formatting the request into a compatible format, transmitting the request, and receiving data in response to the request, and an intelligent proxy server (18) for receiving the data from the data engine (22), manipulating or filtering the data as a function of the subscriber information to thin the content of the data, and outputting the filtered data to the subscriber device (12).

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for transferring a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection with a client device between data processing systems in a cluster of data processing systems. An operating system kernel of a first data processing system obtains application level information from a transaction received from the client over the connection. In addition, application state information associated with the connection may be obtained from the first application. A second application at a second data processing system is selected for transfer of the connection based on the obtained information and the connection is transferred to the second data processing system. The transfer includes providing to the second data processing system the associated state information of the first communication protocol stack and, optionally, the obtained application state information associated with the connection from the first application.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distributed resequencing and distributed reassembly of large packets split into smaller packets with each packet typically marked with a sequence number, timestamp, or other ordering and reassembly indications, and distributed among different paths and arriving possibly out of their original sequence. Multiple resequencing components communicated information as to received packets and coordinate the sending of packets from themselves, typically to produce a stream of resequenced packets which is then distributed to multiple reassembly components, which communicate information as to received packets and coordinate the sending of packets from themselves so as to produce the reassembled larger packets. When all packets comprising a larger packet are received by one of the distributed resequencing components, the reassembly components transmit their packets typically over a common bus or link in a coordinated fashion as to produce the original larger packet.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for substituting an anonymous media access controller (MAC) address for a client computer system's real MAC address in order to disguise an identity of the client computer system when the client computer system is utilizing a network. The client computer system is coupled to a server computer system via the network. A primary storage device is established for storing a MAC address. A MAC address which is stored in the primary storage device is utilized as a network address for the client computer system when the client computer system is utilizing the network. An anonymous MAC address is generated. The anonymous MAC address is not associated with any particular client computer system. The anonymous MAC address is then stored in the primary storage device. The client computer system utilizes the anonymous MAC address as the network address for the client computer system when the client computer system is utilizing the network.

Abstract: A computer system configured to run predefined jobs to process data. The jobs can perform tasks such as retrieving data from a back-end database, preparing report based upon retrieved data or notifying user when a particular condition occurs. The computer system presents data to user in an object called a portal page. The portal page is an object arranged in a format that is readable by a browser. The portal page is a highly configurable document that may be comprised of a plurality of modules called portal objects. Each portal object may contain a set of links corresponding to output reports, jobs, or other objects stored within a repository. One feature of the portal page is dynamically updated portal object. A dynamically updated portal object is an object that is updated on the user's portal page upon data stored in the portal system.

Abstract: A method for compressing a target string of symbols includes identifying a set of reference strings stored by a computer, and matching a plurality of successive substrings in the target string to respective segments found in one or more of the reference strings. Respective segment specifiers are assigned to the substrings that identify the respective segments to which they are matched, and an ordered list of the specifiers is output.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for moving data elements within a data communications device which prioritizes handling transmit interrupts over handling receive interrupts. Preferably, while attending to transmit interrupts, the device gives priority to the “hungriest” interfaces. In one arrangement, the device includes multiple network interfaces which are capable of transmitting and receiving data elements with a network, and a controller, coupled to the interfaces.

Abstract: An operating system architecture is disclosed. The operating system architecture is configured to provide a user space and a kernel space. The operating system architecture comprises a number of tasks, a message, and a microkernel. The tasks are executed in the user space, while the microkernel is executed in the kernel space. The microkernel supports an application programming interface (API) that is configured to support a limited number of directives, the limited number of directives being substantially fewer in number than a number of directives supported by an application programming interface of a traditional operating system. The microkernel is configured to pass the message from a first one of the tasks to a second one of the tasks by virtue of the application programming interface being configured to support message-passing directives.

Abstract: To enable setting for transmission through network such as IEEE1394 system with input plugs freely, when transmitting data obtained in an output device connected to a predetermined network to the network from a predetermined output plug of the output device and receiving that data through a predetermined input plug of an input device connected to the network, the output device confirms an address of a buffer for storing data obtained in the input plug of the input device temporarily prior to start of data transmission, according to an address set in a predetermined pointer within a register constituting the input plug and then, transmits data from the output device to the confirmed address.

Abstract: A forwarding device compares a first address from a first coherent input/output (I/O) transaction with an address from at least one processor-issued transaction to determine if an address conflict exists. The forwarding device completes a first processor-issued transaction of the at least one processor-issued transaction if the address conflict exists and rejects the first coherent I/O transaction. The forwarding device holds remaining processor transactions of the at least one processor-issued transaction that have an address conflict with the first address of the first coherent I/O transaction. The forwarding device transmits the first coherent I/O transaction to an external I/O device, waits for the first coherent I/O transaction to return from the external I/O device, and completes the first coherent I/O transaction. The forwarding device releases the remaining processor transactions once the first coherent I/O transaction has been completed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for supporting coexistence of an external AGP graphics adapter with an embedded graphics adapter. The embedded graphics adapter may be regarded as a PCI device, and the graphics memory of embedded graphics adapter is integrated into DRAM of a computer system. The corelogic and software capable of graphics address remapping and directed accessing graphics memory of the embedded graphics adapter for supporting external AGP graphics adapter and embedded graphics adapter respectively. The embedded graphics adapter could be an AGP device while the external graphics adapter would be a PCI device, and vice versa.

Abstract: A virtual input/output (I/O) interconnect mechanism, and a corresponding method, for use in a computer system having a plurality of I/O devices and a plurality of processing units, where I/O devices and processing units are coupled by one or more bridge units, includes an address decode block having a multiplexer that multiplexes inputs to produce an address, where the address relates to a transaction related to a processor unit, a range register decoder that receives the address and provides a destination address of a module to receive the transaction related to the address, and a reroute module identification block that receives the destination address.

Abstract: A computer-implemented USB (Universal Serial Bus) monitoring and data displaying utility for monitoring and displaying information pertaining to a plurality of USB devices connected to a computer, the displaying being performed on a computer display screen communicably coupled to the computer, the information pertaining to the plurality of USB devices including status information pertaining to the plurality of USB devices. The USB utility includes a monitoring view implemented in a window of the computer display screen, the monitoring view including a set of condensed individual device information sections, each of the condensed individual device information sections displaying condensed information pertaining to one of the USB devices.

Abstract: A clustering storage system capable of operating a plurality of storage system units as a single storage system by connecting the storage system units with one another by means of data connection lines collects access information to the system. The access information is collected in a unit of combination of a logical port receiving an access command from a host computer and a logical volume constituting a unit for management of data. A combination of the logical port and the logical volume having a high frequency of data transfer between the storage system units are detected with reference to the collected access information and the logical port is remapped or the logical volume between the storage system units is remapped.

Abstract: The following system and procedure for specifying an extended configuration descriptor includes a USB device that responds to device requests from a host. In response to receiving a host-specific device request that specifies a predetermined index, the USB device returns an extended configuration descriptor to the requester. The extended configuration descriptor includes information that can be used by the requestor to control the USB device. When the USB device is a composite device, the extended configuration descriptor includes function information corresponding to a plurality of sub-devices. Each function comprises one or more interfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described that translate addresses of transactions. A first interface may receive a first address portion of a first transaction and a first address portion of a second transaction. The first address portion may be translated to a second address portion prior to receiving all portions of the first transaction. The first address portion of the second transaction may be translated to a second address portion prior to receiving all portions of the first transaction.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an information input system which can flexibly select the storage location of information input from an input apparatus. To achieve this object, in an information input system which comprises an input apparatus for inputting information, and an information processing apparatus which is connected to the input apparatus and processes information transferred from the input apparatus, the input apparatus has a storage unit for storing input information, a connection detection device for detecting whether or not the information processing apparatus is connected to the input apparatus, and a controller for controlling to transfer the input information to the information processing apparatus without storing the information in the storage unit, when the connection detection device detects that the information processing apparatus is connected to the input apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus wherein a device connected to a host computer enters a sleep mode in accordance with a judgment made by the device itself, and the device is restored to its original operating state by a hardware reset signal received from the host computer. To put it in detail, if no data is exchanged through an ATAPI command data I/F for at least a predetermined period of time, a CPU of the device outputs a sleep mode to a clock generator and a drive power supply block to put the device in a sleep mode. When a CPU of the host computer outputs a HRST signal in this mode to the device through an ATAPI bus to restore the device from the sleep mode, an IRQ signal reception unit of the CPU employed in the device receives this HRST signal. Receiving the HRST signal, the CPU of the device issues a command requesting restoration from the sleep mode to the clock generator and the drive power supply block.

Abstract: A method of broadcasting N, an even integer, bits of data onto a bus that includes a first plurality of electrical conductors and a second plurality of electrical conductors. The method includes: broadcasting a first portion of data that includes N/2 bits of data onto the first plurality of electrical conductors. Then, after a time period has elapsed that is greater than 0 seconds and less than the time period required to transfer 2 bits of data sequentially on one of the first plurality of electrical conductors, broadcasting a second portion of data that includes N/2 bits of data onto the second plurality of electrical conductors.

Abstract: Described is a system and method by which a PCI device may be controlled by firmware in an Advanced Configuration and Power Management system. A device connected to the PCI bus is described in firmware with AML that declares a PCI BAR operation region associated with the PCI device. A generic driver is loaded and registers itself to handle any access to or from the PCI device my means of the PCI BAR operation region. Essentially, the generic driver is enumerated as a functional driver (FDO) for the PCI device. When a Plug-n-Play manager assigns base addresses to each PCI device on the PCI bus, the generic driver stores this information. Calls by the firmware to the PCI BAR operation region identify the PCI BAR number (i.e., the PCI device) and give an offset. The generic driver resolves that information into an absolute memory or I/O address based on the current BAR assigned by the PnP manager and performs the requested access.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique off-loads responsibility for maintaining order among requests directed to a same address on a split transaction bus from a processor to a split transaction bus controller, thereby increasing the performance of the processor. The present invention comprises an ordering circuit that enables the controller to defer issuing a subsequent (write) request directed to an address on the bus until a previous (read) request directed to the same address completes. By off-loading responsibility for maintaining order among requests from the processor to the controller, the invention enhances performance of the processor since the processor may proceed with program execution without having to stall to ensure such ordering. The ordering circuit maintains ordering in an efficient manner that is transparent to the processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to data processors and more specifically, to data processors having an adaptive priority controller. One embodiment relates to a method for prioritizing requests in a data processor (12) having a bus interface unit (32). The method includes receiving a first request from a first bus requesting resource (e.g. 30) and a second request from a second bus requesting resource (e.g. 28), and using a threshold corresponding to the first or second bus requesting resource to prioritize the first and second requests. The first and second bus requesting resources may be a push buffer (28) for a cache, a write buffer (30), or an instruction prefetch buffer (24). According to one embodiment, the bus interface unit (32) includes a priority controller (34) that receives the first and second requests, assigns the priority, and stores the threshold in a threshold register (66).

Abstract: A single-slot multi-flash-card reader is disclosed. The flash card reader includes an Integrated Device Electronics (IDE) interface for transferring data to a personal computer; and an IDE converter, coupled to the IDE interface, for converting multiple flash-card interfaces to a format used by the personal computer interface. The multiple flash-card interfaces include a CompactFlash interface and smaller interfaces having fewer pins that the CompactFlash interface. The flash card reader includes a CompactFlash connector, coupled to the IDE converter, for receiving a CompactFlash card through a single slot in the single-slot multi-flash-card reader, the CompactFlash connector making electrical connection with the CompactFlash card for signals in the CompactFlash interface. The flash card reader also includes an adapter, having a physical shape to remove or insert into the CompactFlash connector. The adapter has a mating CompactFlash connector that fits the CompactFlash connector.

Abstract: A system and method avoids “livelock” and “starvation” among two or more input/output (I/O) devices of a symmetrical multiprocessor (SMP) computer system competing for the same data. The SMP computer system includes a plurality of interconnected processors, one or more memories that are shared by the processors, and a plurality of I/O bridges to which the I/O devices are coupled. A cache coherency protocol is executed the I/O bridges, which requires the I/O bridges to obtain “exclusive” (not shared) ownership of all data stored by the bridges. In response to a request for data currently stored by an I/O bridge, the bridge first copies at least a portion of that data to a non-coherent buffer before invalidating the data. The bridge then takes the largest amount of the data saved in its non-coherent buffer that its knows to be coherent, and releases only that known coherent amount to the I/O device, and then discards all of the saved data.

Abstract: Method for addressing components of a first network, especially in the case of data bus systems in transport vehicles, in which each component is assigned a first address for the mutual communication within the network and the first addresses are stored in a central register, in which at least one particular component of the first network communicates with another network, this component, when dialling into the second network, is assigned a second address by the latter and, within the first network, addressing takes place on the basis of function-specific address components, identical function blocks of the components being addressed via identical function-specific address components.

Abstract: A memory system architecture/interconnect topology that includes at least one point-to-point link between a master, and at least one memory subsystem. The memory subsystem includes a buffer device coupled to a plurality of memory devices. The memory system may be upgraded through dedicated point-to-point links and corresponding memory subsystems. The master communicates to the plurality of memory devices in each memory subsystem through the respective buffer device via each point-to-point link.

Abstract: A microcomputer capable of on-board programming of dedicated user communication protocols without requiring a serial interface on the mounted board, and that will not destroy the dedicated user communication protocol code even if the system runs out of control. A user boot mat other than a user mat is provided for programming control programs for the user in the on-chip non-volatile memory of the microcomputer. The user boot mat serves as the mat for programming the dedicated user communication protocol and also provides a user boot mode for running the program. The user boot mat cannot program or erase in this user boot mode. By separating the user boot mat and user mat, an interface capable of programming and erasing the user-specified programming can be achieved without having to program a dedicated communication protocol on the user mat.

Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of memory modules that contain semiconductor memory, such as DIMMs. The system includes a host/data controller that utilizes an XOR engine to store data and parity information in a striped fashion on the plurality of memory modules to create a redundant array of industry standard DIMMs (RAID). To optimally run back to back cycles to the memory modules, a technique for providing de-rating parameters such that unnecessary latencies designed into the memory devices can be removed while the system is executing requests. By removing any unnecessary latency, cycle time and overall system performance can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides fast read performance for accessing a file from a multiplicity of files when its corresponding Block ID is unavailable, by furnishing new file-positioning commands, allowing access to data based on File Number, at the same fast locate speed as with Block Ids, thereby expanding the range of applications that can use certain tape drive systems effectively. The present invention includes both a device architecture for supporting the file oriented positioning and the appending, as well as a software system that can permit easy application access to the device facilities and system components which permit the advantages to accrue without any software application or operator changes, including a robust architecture for navigating residual data, e.g., for data recovery. The present invention comprises several device command innovations, a relative positioning command, an absolute positioning command, and other commands, e.g., for sensing current position.