Patent ID: 6549992
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
In a data processing system including primary data storage accessible to a host processor for read/write access and a tape storage device for providing backup storage on a tape by transfer of backup data from the primary data storage to the tape in response to a backup request, a method of selective buffering of the backup data from the primary data storage before the backup data is written to the tape, said method comprising:a) transferring a first portion of the backup data from the primary data storage to a memory buffer and from the memory buffer to the tape; and b) when the backup data is delivered from the primary data storage to the memory buffer at a faster rate than the backup data is written from the memory buffer to the tape, preventing overflow of the memory buffer by transferring a second portion of the backup data from the primary data storage to intermediate disk storage, and at a later time transferring the second portion of the backup data from the intermediate disk storage to the tape.