×

Parallel access virtual tape library and drives

  • US 8,706,976 B2
  • Filed: 09/02/2008
  • Issued: 04/22/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A computer-implementable method of processing commands for a virtual tape library (VTL), wherein the VTL receives sequential access write commands from two or more host computers, and wherein the VTL reads data from or writes data to at least two random access data storage devices within the VTL, the method comprising:

  • intercepting sequential access write commands from the two or more host computers, wherein the sequential access write commands from the two or more host computers are commands to write data to sequential data storage media,wherein each sequential access write command includes associated parameters, and wherein the associated parameters specify a particular sequential access data storage drive and a piece of removable, sequential access, data storage media;

    in response to each intercepted sequential access write command from the two or more host computers, returning a session identifier to each host computer,wherein if the same piece of removable, sequential access, data storage media is requested by two different host computers, then a different session handle is provided to each of the two different host computers, andwherein if the same sequential access data storage drive is requested by two different host computers, then a different session handle is provided to each of the two different host computers;

    tracking, via a data structure, the session identifiers, the parameters, the at least two random access data storage devices within the VTL, and each intercepted sequential access write command from the two or more host computers;

    in response to each intercepted sequential access write command from the two or more host computers, performing write commands with respect to the at least two random access data storage devices within the VTL;

    determining whether any of the intercepted sequential access write commands have been completed;

    if any one of the intercepted sequential access write commands has been completed, then releasing a session associated with a completed sequential access write command; and

    generating multiple snapshots of the data structure, wherein each of the multiple snapshots is generated at a different time; and

    providing a user interface for displaying and permitting user access to data associated with each of the multiple snapshots.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×