Data storage system with outboard physical data transfer operation utilizing data path distinct from host

Abstract

A data storage system includes an outboard data transfer module that directs data transfer operations without requiring substantial host involvement. This subsystem includes a host computer, one or more digital data storage devices, one or more device controllers interposed between the host computer and the storage devices, and a outboard data manager coupled to the host and the device controllers. Data transfer operations are initiated when the outboard data manager receives a data transfer request from the host. The request identifies the type of operation, resulting target format, source data residing on one or more source devices, and one or more target devices. In response to this request, the outboard data manager retrieves a copy of the source data from the source device(s), formats target data according to host instruction, and then transmits the copy to the target device(s) for storage therein. Thus, source data is copied from source to target storage device(s) via the outboard data manager without burdening the host by routing data through it. Some exemplary data transfer operations include copy, migrate, recall, backup, restore, move, defragment, reorganize, and the like.