Variable media tape-based storage system
US7253983B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0686
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a variable media tape based storage system for storing, retrieving, and communicating data. The system includes at least one media element having a compatible relationship with one of a plurality of drives for storing and receiving data. The at least one media element configured to operate with the at least one drive as a functional pair is considered a loaded drive. The storage system also includes switch and mapping system, which in one embodiment could be an interface bridge processor, operatively linked to each of the plurality of drives. Finally, the storage system adapted to alter at least one received and accepted tape library command from positioning a target storage tape article for use with a target tape drive to selecting one of the loaded drives via the interface bridge processor. The interface bridge processor can be adapted to receive data in a streaming protocol to be saved on the target storage tape article by the target storage drive and convert the streaming protocol to a different protocol to save the data on the physically selected loaded drive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.