Importance

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Abstract

A plurality of data storage modules form a library, with a directory archive maintaining a directory of the information contained on each data storage module (file server application) or on the storage modules retained in the library (volume server application). A plurality of interface computers are coupled to a plurality of host computers for receiving data and for generating request signals to access the library. In response to a received request signal, the directory archive locates a data storage module and generates a location output signal. A control computer receives the location output signal and generates a media access signal for causing the data storage module to be loaded into a selected data recorder. An input/output data channel couples the interface computer generating the access request signal to the selected data recorder for reading or writing an entire volume of information or selected file information to/from the data storage module. In this configuration, any interface computer has access to any drive and any drive has access to any stored media, thus providing both global media and global drive access.

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First Claim