Patent ID: 6094605
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: G06F,G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A virtual automated cartridge system for connection to at least one remote user computer system and at least one physical data storage device, wherein the at least one remote user is arranged to request allocation of data storage space, said virtual automated cartridge system comprising:a data storage manager having an input/output connected to the at least one remote user computer system, and an input/output connected to the at least one physical data storage device; andan interim data storage device connected to said data storage manager and arranged to emulate a type of data storage device compatible with a user allocation request received from the at least one remote user computer system irrespective of an actual type of storage device used as the at least one physical storage device, wherein said data storage manager comprises a processor operative to assign for a duration of time a portion of the interim data storage device to a user computer system upon receipt of a user request for allocation of data storage.