Patent ID: 6851031
Filing Date: 2005-02-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of importing a plurality of data from a physical data storage device into a virtual tape library system that is used with a data protection application, the virtual tape library system being usable with an existing data protection application designed for use with a physical tape library without modifying the existing data protection application, the method comprising: providing a user interface styled for manipulating a virtual tape library in a manner similar to that used to manipulate a physical tape library, the user interface having a plurality of user selectable fields; transmitting a signal in response to the manipulation of one of the user selectable fields; providing a controller that receives the signal; providing a data storage medium in communication with the controller, the data storage medium having at least one virtual library defined thereon, each virtual library being capable of having a plurality of virtual tapes defined therein, the data storage medium being capable of storing the plurality of data in response to signals received by the controller; establishing communication between the data storage medium and the physical data storage device; and copying at least a portion of the plurality of data from the physical data storage device to a virtual tape.