Abstract: Difference information between two snapshots from a first point-in-time snapshot, which has been copied, to an Nth point-in-time snapshot, which constitutes the latest point-in-time snapshot, is acquired to a memory module. The memory module stores two or more pieces of difference information. The two or more pieces of difference information comprise difference information that shows the difference between a first point-in-time snapshot and any snapshot other than the first point-in-time snapshot of N snapshots. Copy difference information, which is information that shows the difference between the first point-in-time snapshot and a specified snapshot from among N snapshots, and which is used in copying the specified snapshot, is created on the basis of the two or more pieces of difference information.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for routing commands to a distributed RAID system are disclosed. Specifically, embodiments may route a command to an appropriate data bank in a distributed RAID system, where each data bank has a set of associated storage media and executes a similar distributed RAID application. The distributed RAID applications on each of the data banks coordinate among themselves to distribute and control data flow associated with implementing a level of RAID in conjunction with data stored on the associated storage media of the data banks.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for storing data on a magnetic tape comprises receiving data from two different hosts and simultaneously writing the data from the hosts to the magnetic tape using multiple transducers. In another approach, a method for storing data on a magnetic tape comprises receiving requests to establish a concurrent reservation from multiple hosts and allocating a unique stripe in a wrap to each of the hosts that sent the requests, wherein the wrap is a collection of data tracks to be written simultaneously in one direction of tape movement by multiple transducers of a tape head, and the wrap is logically divided into the stripes. Also, the method includes receiving data from the hosts and simultaneously writing the data from the hosts to the magnetic tape using the multiple transducers. Other systems and methods concerning storing data on magnetic tapes are described as well.

Abstract: When a virtual tape of the main storage system is updated, journal data is created. The journal data is transmitted to the disaster recovery storage system asynchronously with the timing at which the write data is received. The journal data includes a marker to notify of the start of updating and a marker to notify of the completion of updating. The disaster recovery storage system prohibits the use of the copy destination data during the period from start of updating until completion of updating, and permits referencing the copy destination data during other periods.

Abstract: A method of identifying physical characteristic information of an optical disc includes: deriving a reading result by reading at least a first region of the optical disc, where a location of the first region is specified in a Blu-ray disc specification for recording information associated with recording management of a BD recordable disc; and identifying a first physical characteristic of the optical disc according to the reading result.

Abstract: A method and system for migrating massive amounts of data in a secure and traceable fashion using a distributed storage system is described. Data shuttle storage devices moves large quantities of content from one source location to one or more target locations by first acting in local communication with the source location, then being physically moved to a location where a shuttle storage device may be in local communication with the target location. This migration does not compromise data accessibility, reliability, or security. Dynamic configurable policy-driven data placement specifies the number and location of multiple copies of each digital data object. Each digital data object replica remains traceable even as the hardware onto which it is stored is being relocated. The content remains accessible at any time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed provide a distributed RAID system comprising a set of data banks. More particularly, in certain embodiments of a distributed RAID system each data bank has a set of associated storage media and executes a similar distributed RAID application. The distributed RAID applications on each of the data banks coordinate among themselves to distribute and control data flow associated with implementing a level of RAID in conjunction with data stored on the associated storage media of the data banks.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided, including a first data storage device electrically storing write data, a second data storage device magnetically storing write data, and a controller partitioning write data into first and second write data portions. The first write data portion is programmed to the first data storage device and the second write data portion if magnetically written to the second data storage device at the same time.

Abstract: A system for dynamic balancing of writes between multiple storage devices in which Remote Data Facility (RDF) groups may be assigned weights according to a dynamic priority parameter. The dynamic priority parameter provides the ability to control the weight of an asynchronous RDF group compared to that of a synchronous RDF group. Thus, when the same RDF adapter includes a mix of asynchronous RDF groups and synchronous RDF groups, a dynamic balance of the write priorities between the two group types may be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for writing data to be played back onto a tape is provided. Included is an acquisition unit for acquiring data to be written onto the tape, a writing unit for writing the data to the tape, and a determination unit for determining a data amount of a leading part of the data to be stored in a place separate from a place where the data is stored so that a part following the leading part is made ready to be played back before playback of the leading part ends, to reduce the time taken to read the data from the tape. Also included is an extraction unit for extracting the data and a storage unit for storing the leading part of the data.

Abstract: A data storage system is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory and a first interface operable to receive a write command from a host, the write command comprising a host write data block having a host logical block size. A block mapping bridge divides the host write data block into a plurality of transfer data blocks, wherein each transfer data block having a device logical block size smaller than the host logical block size. The transfer data blocks are transmitted through a second interface to control circuitry that accumulates the transfer data blocks into a physical data block having a device physical block size equal to a first integer multiple of the device logical block size, wherein the host logical block size is a second integer multiple of the device physical block size. The physical data block is then written to the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes powering on a testing system, whereby a unit present signal is included in the system, the unit present signal communicating to a management complex unit (MCU) that a unit under test (UUT) has been inserted into a corresponding architecture, the signal being sent through a relay such that it can be sent or connected at a later time. The UUT is installed in the system and a programming protocol is initiated. The system is then powered off, whereby the unit present signal is set to open and the system is subsequently powered on. When the UUT is plugged in, the MCU does not see it. The system can include a second relay that allows power being fed to the UUT to be broken such that when the UUT is subsequently powered up, the board is reset and not removed from the architecture.

Abstract: A tape cartridge is described including tape storage medium maintaining stored encrypted data that can be unencrypted via an encryption key. The tape cartridge also contains a medium auxiliary memory possessing a moniker wherein the moniker identifies the encryption key. The tape cartridge further includes a threshold parameter stored in the medium auxiliary memory wherein the threshold parameter influences a moniker state control, the moniker state control comprises an on state and an off state wherein the off state disables the moniker from identifying the encryption key.

Abstract: OTP Data storage die and device consisting of novel OTP (One-Time-Programming) NVM (Non-Volatile-Memory) die is disclosed. The OTP Data storage device can be used in typical host applications with standard interface protocols and file system. The novel OTP memory is a dual memory with both RAM (random access memory) capability and NAND Flash like interface. These features enable to achieve efficient management capabilities and dense array for the OTP data storage device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for storing data on a magnetic tape comprises receiving data from two different hosts and simultaneously writing the data from the hosts to the magnetic tape using multiple transducers. In another approach, a method for storing data on a magnetic tape comprises receiving requests to establish a concurrent reservation from multiple hosts and allocating a unique stripe in a wrap to each of the hosts that sent the requests, wherein the wrap is a collection of data tracks to be written simultaneously in one direction of tape movement by multiple transducers of a tape head, and the wrap is logically divided into the stripes. Also, the method includes receiving data from the hosts and simultaneously writing the data from the hosts to the magnetic tape using the multiple transducers. Other systems and methods concerning storing data on magnetic tapes are described as well.

Abstract: A method of transmitting compressed data from a main memory to an input/output adaptor (IOA)/input/output processor (IOP), includes sending compressed memory directory information to the IOA/IOP and copying a content of the memory to the IOA/IOP using a direct memory access (DMA) operation, without decompressing the data.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, a method may include receiving, from a processor at an I/O controller, a write-distribute command that includes an indication of data to be written to a group of storage mediums and instructions that the data should be written to multiple storage locations within the group of storage mediums. In various embodiments, the method may also include, based on the command's instructions, writing the data to at least a first storage location of the storage mediums. In one embodiment, the method may include returning a write completion message, from the I/O controller to the processor, after the data is written to a first storage location.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and an article of manufacture, wherein resources corresponding to at least one copy pool are acquired, and wherein the at least one copy pool has been defined for a first primary storage pool of a storage hierarchy. The acquired resources are retained, in response to determining that data cannot be written to the first primary storage pool. The data is written to the at least one copy pool, in response to writing the data to a second primary storage pool of the storage hierarchy.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for extending the functionality of tape device tapemarks. When data is backed up to tape, the tape controller may mark the tape with a tapemark to organize portions of the tape. Present tape storage devices are limited to a single type of tapemark; therefore current recovery requests require knowledge of the tapemark location. The present invention allows for unique types of tapemarks. By allowing the tape device, tape controller and/or backup and recovery software to recognize unique tapemarks, data organized by unique tapemarks can be recovered without referencing tapemark location, thereby optimizing recovery. Unique tapemarks may be encrypted such that data recovery is only completed upon verification of the requester.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that schedules read operations for disk drives in a set of disk drives. During operation, the system monitors a write rate for write operations to a given disk drive in the set of disk drives, wherein vibrations generated by the read operations directed to disk drives in the set of disk drives are transmitted to the given disk drive. Then, the read operations for disk drives in the set of disk drives are scheduled based on the write rate for the given disk drive, thereby limiting interference between the write operations and the vibrations generated by the read operations.

Abstract: A system including an enterprise data storage system having a plurality of multi-level cell (MLC) flash devices configured as data storage drives. The enterprise data storage system is operated in such a way and the configuration of the MLC flash devices is such that the enterprise data storage system is able to maintain a performance level comparable to that of an enterprise data storage system utilizing single-level cell (SLC) flash devices.

Abstract: A method for indicating storage capacity is applied in a storage device. The storage device includes a main storage unit, a capacity indicator, a driver, and a secondary storage unit. The second storage unit stores a preset storage capacity value and a drive table recording relationship between storage capacity difference ranges and rotation angles of the driver. The method includes: periodically obtaining a storage capacity value from a computer connected to the storage device; computing a difference between the obtained storage capacity value and the preset storage capacity value; determining the storage capacity difference range the difference falls within and the rotation angle the determined storage capacity difference range corresponds to in the drive table; and controlling the driver to rotate the determined rotation angle to drive the capacity indicator to indicate the obtained storage capacity value. A related storage device is also provided.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the management of the hardware key of a library apparatus employing the LTO system, a write function of a noncontact memory (CM: cartridge memory) contained in an LTO tape cartridge is implemented in a medium carrying mechanism part of the library apparatus, and during an insertion to a tape drive, the IDs unique to a library control part and to the medium carrying mechanism part are recorded in the non-contact memory and utilized as the hardware key of an encrypting apparatus. The hardware key written once is overwritten (erased) during an ejection, thereby preventing leakage of key information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and retrieving data on a magnetic tape accessed by a tape drive having an associated tape drive processor in communication with a host computer having an associated host processor include writing data to at least one partition within a logical volume having an associated number of sections designated by the host computer from a predetermined number of sections associated with the magnetic tape, wherein each partition extends across one section.

Abstract: A method for controlling writing for a tape recorder that is connected to a host and sequentially records, as a transaction, a plurality of records that are transferred from the host and stored in a buffer is provided, including receiving a synchronous command for a first transaction from the host; in response to the synchronous command, sequentially writing the plurality of records stored in the buffer to a tape as the first transaction; receiving the size of a second transaction following the first transaction from the host; calculating time for a backhitch associated with an operation of the synchronous command for the first transaction on the basis of the size; and performing the backhitch on the basis of the time for the backhitch.

Abstract: Backing up data blocks is disclosed, including: receiving an indication that a first backed up data block is to be processed; determining that the first backed up data block and a second backed up data block are related at an application level and are to remain stored together; and processing together the first and second backed up data blocks based at least in part on the determination that the first and second backed up data blocks are related at an application level and are to remain stored together.

Abstract: In a computer system supporting memory compression, wherein memory compressed data is managed in units of memory sectors of size S, wherein data is stored on disk in a different compressed format, and wherein data on said disk is managed in units of disk sectors of size D, a method for storing memory compressed data on a compressed disk includes combining at least one of compressed memory directory information, a system header, compressed data controls, and pads into a data structure having a same size S as a memory sector, grouping the data structure and the data contained in the desired memory sectors into groups of D/S items, and storing each of the groups in a separate disk sector.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable code embodied on the computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable code including: program code for delivering, in response to a CPU request, from a host-system processor of a host system, for a command code, an SWI that is different than the command code. Preferably, the computer-readable code further includes: program code for selecting between providing the command code and providing the SWI based on an availability of the command code. Preferably, the computer-readable code further includes: program code for distinguishing between a command-code read-request and a data read-request according to a built-in command-codes table, wherein the command-code read-request and the data read-request are different.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overwrite method of a write-once optical disc and apparatus thereof, by which a logical overwrite is enabled by varying an overwrite system according to a recording mode to enhance efficiency of disc use. The present invention includes the step of performing a replacement recording on a data area within the optical disc with overwrite-requested data in a specific recording-completed area within the optical disc in a sequential recording mode (SRM) wherein a logical overwrite is executed to maintain continuity of a user data area by the replacement recording. And, the present invention includes the step of performing a replacement recording on a spare area within the optical disc with overwrite-requested data in a specific recording-completed area within the optical disc in a random recording mode (RRM) wherein a size of the spare area for allocation is determined on disc initialization for the replacement recording.

Abstract: A RAID storage array having a controller and plurality of disk drives is configured into a plurality of groups. The plurality of disk drives are in a plurality of drive trays. The controller includes a main memory. A set of configuration information is stored on a central nonvolatile memory device. The set of configuration information includes group configuration information corresponding to each group of the plurality of groups with which a corresponding disk drive is associated. The set of configuration information is stored on a plurality of remote nonvolatile memory devices that are each associated with at least one of the plurality of drive trays. A bootware control process is loaded into the main memory. The bootware control process is executed. A plurality of service layer processes are loaded into the main memory. The plurality of service layer processes are executed in parallel under the control of the bootware control process.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes: deciding to perform a refresh operation on a media cartridge having a tape wrapped around a spool; determining which drive of a plurality of drives is available to perform the refresh operation; causing the media cartridge to be mounted to the available drive; causing the drive to unwrap the tape from the spool of the media cartridge to about an end of the tape; and causing the drive to wrap the tape back onto the spool after the unwrapping, wherein at least some data on the tape is overwritten with new data, and a verification operation is performed using the new data.

Abstract: A performance history management method and system are disclosed, in which the time-series performance history such as a volume included in a storage device is managed as one time-series performance history at the time of data rearrangement or device change. The data-oriented performance history providing the logical place of storage of the data stored in the volume is generated using the storage performance monitor program based on the rearrangement history information providing the information on the history of transfer of the data stored in the rearrangement history table and the volume of the storage device by the storage structure information acquisition program, the storage structure information stored in the storage structure information table and the performance history of each volume stored in the storage performance history table by the storage performance information acquisition program. The performance history can be displayed or the performance change detected to display an alert.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data with respect to tape storage are provided. The system includes a data manager for receiving metadata related to content and for generating a proxy file system which mirrors the data structure of the content data. The system further includes a server coupled to a tape device, the server receiving the content data directly from a data source and providing the content data the tape device for storage on a formatted tape media.

Abstract: Various embodiments for autonomic reclamation processing for tapes are provided. Instructions are received to perform reclamation processing on the formatted tape. Formatted tape is loaded into a tape drive for buffering active data during reclamation processing and consolidating all of the active data in capacity optimized manner on the same formatted tape. The formatted tape comprises metadata denoting active and inactive data blocks for files. The meta data of the formatted tape is read into a reclamation memory. The table is sorted and a starting block address is sorted. All active files ordered in the table starting at the starting block address are read into the reclamation memory. The files are written from the reclamation memory to the formatted tape from the starting block address and updating the table with new block addresses of the files. The meta data is updated with the updated table.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently and easily capturing data dumps generated by a network device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a storage management device is disposed between a network device and a storage device. The network device is programmed with a virtual address that is associated with the storage management device. Upon generating a data dump, the network device writes the data dump to the virtual address where the storage management device receives the data dump and redirects it to a long-term storage location. Additionally, the storage management device can generate a record of each data dump that indicates the network device that generated the data dump and where the data dump was stored.

Abstract: In a storage system including a host computer, and a disk control device connected to the host computer for communications therewith, and performs control over a disk device that stores therein data requested for writing from the host computer, for data transmission from a host interface section or a disk interface section to a memory section, when the data asked by a transmission source for storage is stored in a transmission destination, the transmission destination is put in a first mode for communications of forwarding a response back to the transmission source. With such a configuration, favorably provided is the storage system that offers a guarantee of reliability with the improved processing capabilities thereof.

Abstract: A secure virtual tape management system with early read support options. The system includes at least two mainframe hosts having a catalog storing tape related information. A primary virtual tape emulation system includes an adaptor and includes software for facilitating remote configuration and utilization of the virtual tape management. A virtual tape system catalog storing tape related information is attached to the virtual tape management. Remote data storage devices may be in communication with the virtual tape management central processing unit. Software resident on the catalog monitors tape related information on the primary virtual tape emulation system for criteria matching a virtual tape to be made available to a secondary host and initiates immediate transfer of that data allowing it to be read in a paced manner by the secondary host before the primary host has completed its series of tape writes.

Abstract: Managing power-consumption, for use in a storage system comprising first data stored on one or more storage devices is provided. A receiver receives a policy comprising a power-management parameter, a first parameter and a rule associated with the policy. An analyser, responsive to receipt of a policy, analyzes second data associated with the rule. A determiner, responsive to the analysis, determines third data in accordance with the second data. The third data is associated with migration of the first data.

Abstract: A performance information display method using a computer, includes the steps, in the computer, of reading out information data of a storage device previously stored in a storage device and information data of a plurality of devices utilizing the storage device, displaying an identifier of the storage device and identifiers of a plurality of devices utilizing the storage device on a screen on the basis of the information data read out, accepting a command to select the displayed identifier of the storage device, and displaying performance information data of the devices utilizing the selected storage device in association on the basis of the accepted command and the information data read out.

Abstract: For selecting an input/output tape volume cache (TVC), a history module maintains access history instances for a plurality of clusters, each cluster comprising a TVC. A request module receives an access request for a logical volume wherein an instance of the logical volume is stored on each of the plurality of clusters and each instance of the logical volume is synchronized with each other instance of the logical volume. An adjustment module weights the access history instances in favor of recent access history instances. A calculation module calculates an affinity of the logical volume instance stored on each cluster of the plurality of clusters. A selection module selects a cluster TVC with a highest logical volume affinity as the TVC for the logical volume.

Abstract: The invention discloses a memory management system and a memory management method are disclosed. The memory management system includes a first memory, at least one secondary memory, and a memory management device. The first memory includes a normal access memory bank and at least one switching access memory bank. The secondary memory includes at least one secondary access memory bank corresponding to the switching access memory bank. The memory management device reads/writes the normal access memory bank or the secondary access memory bank.

Abstract: Described are techniques for facilitating communication between code modules. A first code module is provided that makes at least one call using an application programming interface. The application programming interface facilitates communication between the first code module and a target code module and provides support for performing the at least one call from a first execution mode associated with the first code module and a second execution mode associated with the target code module. The application programming interface provides support for user space to user space communication, user space to kernel space communication, kernel space to kernel space communication, and kernel to user space communication. The first execution mode of the first code module and said second execution mode of the target code module are determined. A communication path is established between the code modules in accordance with the first and second execution modes.

Abstract: Pools of a plurality of types of storage devices are configured and are included in different layers. Based on at least one storage device of the same type, the pools of types corresponding to the type are configured. The controller in the storage system carries out storage location change processing in which the storage location of targeted data that has been stored into the targeted first real page allocated to a virtual page in a virtual volume is changed to the second real page that has not been allocated in a pool of the second type different from a pool of the first type including the targeted first real page in the case in which the controller conforms to the prescribed storage location change conditions. A size of a real page is different depending on a type of a pool.

Abstract: A system and method provides a single system image for a clustered storage network including techniques for processing data access commands between storage appliances over the cluster interconnect. The system is configured such that the cluster is assigned a single world wide nodename. Requests coming to the cluster from client initiators are directed to one or the storage appliances in the cluster, i.e. the “receiving” storage appliance. Commands received by the receiving storage appliance are examined to determine LUN value(s) in the request. If the LUN value is associated with a local storage device, the request is processed by the receiving storage appliance. If the LUN value is not associated with the receiving storage appliance, the request is conveyed over the cluster interconnect to the partner storage appliance to be processed and the appropriate data written or retrieved.

Abstract: A virtual tape apparatus is interposed between a host and a tape device so as to store data transmitted from the host to a logical tape volume. The virtual tape apparatus includes: a data communication unit that receives data transmitted from the host; a RAID device having a logical tape volume for storing the data; a management table that manages attribute information of data stored in the physical tape volume; a position determination section that determines the write starting position of the data stored in the logical tape volume on the physical tape volume based on the management table; and a drive control unit that writes data in the logical tape volume to the physical tape volume based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for delaying execution of input/output (I/O) requests for solid state drives are contemplated. Some embodiments comprise receiving I/O requests for a solid state drive and calculating amounts of time based on characteristics of the requests, such as differences of the logical block addresses (LBAs) of the requests. The embodiments may then delay responses by the solid state drive for the requests. Calculating the amounts of time and delaying the responses by the amounts of time may allow the solid state drives to emulate the responses of various types of hard disk drives. Some embodiments comprise an apparatus for delaying execution of the I/O requests for solid state drives. The apparatuses may have numerous modules, such as a request receiver to receive the I/O requests, a calculation module to calculate the amounts of delay times, and a delay module to delay the responses of the I/O requests.

Abstract: Virtual tape libraries (VTLs) and methods for concurrently accessing a VTL are provided. One VTL includes memory partitioned into multiple volumes, multiple virtual drives, and a processor. The processor is configured to enable multiple applications to concurrently access a virtual storage volume in a first or second access mode. One method includes receiving a first request for a first application to access a virtual storage volume to write data to or read data from the virtual storage volume and granting the first request. The method further includes receiving a second request for a second application to concurrently access the virtual storage volume to write data to or read data from the virtual storage volume, determining if the first and second requests are compatible, and accepting or denying the second request based on the determination. Also provided are physical computer storage mediums including computer code for performing the above method.

Abstract: A storage subsystem provides redundancy protection for data associated with files stored in a storage subsystem. A request is received to change the redundancy protection for data associated with at least one of the files, where the request identifies the data for which the redundancy protection is to be changed. The redundancy protection for the data identified by the request is changed, while the redundancy protection for a remainder of the data associated with the files stored in the storage subsystem is maintained unchanged.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for managing storage in a computer system using a solid state drive (SSD) read cache memory are presented. The method includes receiving a read request, which causes a miss in a cache memory. After the cache miss, the method determines whether the data to satisfy the read request is available in the SSD memory. If the data is in SSD memory, the read request is served from the SSD memory. Otherwise, SSD memory tracking logic is invoked and the read request is served from a hard disk drive (HDD). Additionally, the SSD memory tracking logic monitors access requests to pages in memory, and if a predefined criteria is met for a certain page in memory, then the page is loaded in the SSD. The use of the SSD as a read cache improves memory performance for random data reads.

Abstract: The storage system includes a controller receiving a plurality of access commands from a plurality of host computers, a plurality of disk drives being coupled to the controller, and a panel adapted to display host group identifiers and logical storage regions so that security information can be set for a logical storage region by a user on a host computer basis or on a host group basis.