Spectra Logic Corporation

Other

Jeff Robert Boyton

Matthew Thomas Starr

Nathan Christopher Thompson

Michael Gerard Goberis

Stuart Alan Craig

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a data storage library comprising a first and second drive, a first and second mobile medium, a first and second partition wherein the first partition comprises the first drive and the first mobile medium and the second partition comprises the second drive and the second mobile medium, and a combination bridge controller device. The combination bridge controller device is configurable to control first communication traffic between at least a first client and the first partition wherein the first communication traffic can comprise a first data package. The combination bridge controller device is further configurable to optionally encrypt the first data package for storage on the first mobile medium when the first mobile medium is in cooperation with the first drive.

Optional data encryption by partition for a partitionable data storage library

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a data storage library comprising a plurality of drives and a combination bridge controller device adapted to direct and make compatible communication traffic between a client and the plurality of drives. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to encrypt a first data package received from the client. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to transmit the encrypted first data package, a first moniker and a first message authentication code to one of the plurality of drives for storage to a cooperating mobile storage medium. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to decrypt the first data package when used in combination with a first key associated with the first moniker and guarantee the decryption of the first data package was successfully accomplished with authentication of the first message authentication code.

Data encryption using a key and moniker for mobile storage media adapted for library storage

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.

Encryption moniker in medium auxiliary memory

A storage library is provided for formatting a mobile data storage element, such as a tape, with a first space dedicated for clear text or text as received by a host, such as an Independent Software Vender, wherein the first space is intended to accommodate header information which includes attributes about the mobile storage element. The data storage element is also formatted with a second space for storing encrypted or conditioned user data. The storage library further generally includes an encryption engine for encrypting data received from a host computer, a plurality of data storage elements, and at least two drives for storing data on the data storage elements.

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Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

Jeff Robert Boyton