Patent ID: 6513101
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
In a data storage library for storing a plurality of data storage media, said media each capable of storing a stacked plurality of logical volumes of data, said logical volumes identified by VOLSERs, said logical volumes separable into identifiable categories of logical volumes, said library mapping said logical volumes to said data storage media in a mapping database, a method for expiring said logical volumes in response to expiration selection from a host, comprising the steps of:establishing at least one said category of said logical volumes as having a â€œSCRATCHâ€  attribute; responding to said host expiration selection of any of said logical volumes, identifying said selected logical volume VOLSER in a searchable database as comprising said category having said â€œSCRATCHâ€  attribute; subsequently searching said searchable database for logical volume VOLSERs identified as comprising said category having said â€œSCRATCHâ€  attribute; and expiring said logical volumes having said searched identified VOLSERs from said mapping database.