Patent ID: 6272606
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An automated method of scheduling data storage or retrieval jobs in a data storage and/or retrieval system in which stored data is distributed between multiple data storage volumes, said method comprising:(i) maintaining a plurality of queues of data storage or retrieval jobs for execution, each of said queues having a distinct execution priority type; and(ii) determining which one of said queues has an execution priority type that matches a user-assigned priority type for a newly initiated job, and adding said newly initiated job to said one queue so determined so that:(a) if said newly initiated job requires access to the same data storage volume as a further job already in said one queue, said newly initiated job is added to said one queue at an adjacent queue position to that further job; and(b) if said newly initiated job does not require access to the same data storage volume as any other job already in said one queue, adding said newly initiated job to said one queue at a queue position independent of the data storage volumes of other jobs in said one queue.