Spectra Logic Corporation

Silicon Graphics International Corporation

Larry Fenske

Matthew Thomas Starr

Joshua Daniel Carter

Michael Gerard Goberis

Mark Lorin Lantry

Richard Douglas Rector

Walter Wong

Embodiments of the presently claimed invention enable a RAID set to appear as if it were initialized immediately after a command to initialize a RAID set is initiated. Typically, a driver or other software in the software stack intercepts the command to initialize the RAID set. The driver then responds to user application programs as if the RAID set initialization is complete, even when it is not. After intercepting the RAID set initialization command, the driver will intercept and respond to data read or write commands as if the RAID set were initialized. The driver or other software will then, typically initialize the RAID set using background tasks. In certain instances, data stored in a non-RAID configuration may be migrated to a RAID configuration during the initialization process.

Raid set initialization

Disclosed is a method and apparatus relating generally to erasure techniques for emulating a streamed data format for non tape media capable of being used with a data storage arrangement to generate replenished user data space. The data storage arrangement comprises a host computer and a storage system in communication with the host computer, the storage system comprising at least one random access storage medium. The random access storage medium is capable of receiving data by streaming protocol and storing the data emulated in a contiguous format. The data comprises at least one data file which further comprise a plurality of records wherein each of the records comprise user data and meta data. A deletion algorithm is adapted to issue at least one deletion command capable of deleting at least one portion of the data stored on the medium up to at least a last segment of the data to create replenished storage space. The replenished storage space is capable for storage of new data in an order following the last segment of data upon receiving the new data in the streaming protocol by the storage medium.

Erasure techniques for emulating streamed data format for non tape media

A method and apparatus for a generating a tape format like file with an associated look-up table on a non-tape storage medium is disclosed. In one configuration, a data storage arrangement can comprise a host computer in communication with a storage system by means of a streaming protocol. The storage system can comprise a non-tape storage medium having at least one file comprising a plurality of records each having user data and meta data wherein the meta data comprises data fields for and about the record. A table associated with the file is adapted to contain information related to at least one of the records. The table can be accessed by the storage system to reduce the amount of time spent locating the records.

File formatting on a non-tape media operable with a streaming protocol

A robotic data storage library comprising a virtual port and a method for providing a virtual port for a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The virtual exit port, for example, comprises one or more storage locations of the library that are defined as a virtual port. In one embodiment, for example, the virtual port comprises a virtual exit port for holding a data storage element that is to be exported from the library. In this embodiment, for example, the virtual exit port is defined prior to the library receiving a command to export a data storage element. In another embodiment, the virtual port comprises an entry port, an exit port or an entry/exit port. In yet another embodiment, a method for transferring a data storage element directly between an actual port (entry and/or exit) of a robotic data storage library and another location within the robotic data storage library not defined as the virtual port is disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Loveland, CO, United States of America

Larry Fenske