Patent ID: 7568123

Claim:
An apparatus to backup Vital Product Data (VPD), the apparatus comprising: a communication module comprising executable code stored on a storage device, executed by a processor, and configured to establish a communications channel between an automated data storage library and a service center that is configured to provide support for the automated data storage library, the support comprising performing diagnostic tests, scheduling maintenance, transmitting software upgrades, and receiving trace logs; a backup module comprising executable code stored on the storage device, executed by the processor, and configured to copy VPD from the automated data storage library to the service center, wherein the VPD comprises physical parameters specific to the automated data storage library comprising fiducial coordinates, storage slot offsets, and logical partitions; a maintenance module comprising executable code stored on a service center storage device, executed by a service center processor, and configured to receive and maintain the VPD copy; and a check module comprising executable code stored on the service center storage device, executed by the service center processor, and configured to reestablish communications through the communication channel with the communication module if the communication module has not established communications with the service center within a specified time interval and request the backup module to copy the VPD to the maintenance module.