Patent ID: 7680979
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of assigning, to a host computer, data storage resources in a data storage library, the method comprising: providing user-selectable options regarding how to assign data storage resources in the data storage library, wherein the user-selectable options include at least a semiautomatic data storage resource assignment option; defining at least two of multiple data storage resources as pooled data storage resources that are not permanently associated with any one of multiple host computers, but instead are associated with a requesting one of the host computers for a predetermined duration; receiving user input indicating how to assign data storage resources in the data storage library, including at least one user input requirement; if the user input indicates semiautomatic data storage resource assignment, then automatically selecting data storage resources from unallocated data storage resources based at least in part on the one user input requirement; identifying physical addresses associated with the data storage resources selected from the unallocated data storage resources; at least temporarily associating logical addresses with identified physical addresses; providing the logical addresses to the host computer; receiving a user request for additional data storage resources for the host computer; and providing additional logical addresses to the host computer that correspond to additional data storage resources.