Patent ID: 8311663
Filing Date: 2012-11-13
Classification: B65G,G06F,G11B

Abstract:
1. A method to store data, comprising the steps of: providing (N) data storage media, wherein (N) is greater than 10,000; providing an automated data library comprising a database, one or more data storage devices, a first plurality of storage cells, and a robotic accessor to transport data storage media; providing a storage vault external to said automated data library and comprising a second plurality of storage cells but no data storage devices, wherein said robotic accessor moves bidirectionally between said automated data library and said vault; selecting an (i)th data storage medium, wherein said (i)th data storage medium is one of said plurality of data storage media, wherein (i) is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to (N); setting an (i)th data state, wherein said (i)th data state is set as online-locked data which must be kept online with the associated storage medium mounted in an I/O unit.