Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for increasing the efficiency of copy operations in a data storage system. SOLUTION: Multiple virtual storage controllers (VSC) are each in communication with a host device (HD) and with two virtual storage servers (VSS). Each VSS is connected to an automated storage library (SL). Each VSC includes a copy queue (CQ). After directing that a volume (VL) of customer data be stored through one of the VSSs on media in the associated SL, an initiating VSC queues in a CQ a request to copy the VL to the other SL. If the request is not processed within a very short period, the initiating VSC broadcasts (BC) the copy request to the other VSC. After one of the VSCs processes the request and the VL has been copied to the second SL, the processing VSC broadcasts (BC) a message to the other VSCs, and the other VSCs then dequeue the copy request from their respective CQs. A message that the volume was successfully copied is transmitted to the HD. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
At least two directly assigned redundant copies stored in data memory libraries on the same high-speed access level are compared and a rest time status is provided to the data memory library. The database is accessed by the data memory library which provides the largest rest time status. The token assigned to the data base is directly read by at least two data memory libraries in response to a request. It is determined from the token if a plurality of the directly assigned redundant copies are provided on the same access level and if no copies of the data sets are provided on a faster access level. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) an information step method; (b) the redundant copies of data sets; (c) a data memory library system; (d) the statement of the rest time status by the control component data memory library system; (e) a processor program; (f) an automatic data memory library; (g) and a determination of current rest time status by the library control unit automatic data memory library.