Patent ID: 8458397

Claim:
A method for saving a plurality of log data in a hierarchical storage management (HSM) system using a disk system as a primary cache with a tape library as a secondary cache by a processor device, comprising: storing user data in the primary cache, the user data written from the primary cache into the secondary cache at a subsequent period of time; preparing a plurality of blank tapes in the secondary cache for storing the user data and the plurality of log data based on a plurality of priorities, the plurality of blank tapes unused until the user data is written to at least one tape media; selecting at least one of the plurality of blank tapes for copying the plurality of log data and the user data from the primary cache to the secondary cache based upon the plurality of priorities; storing the plurality of log data in the primary cache, wherein the plurality of log data is wrapped in the primary cache and a copy of the plurality of log data copied into the plurality of blank tapes, the plurality of blank tapes being configured to appear empty to a user for storing the user data; and delaying a selection of at least one of the plurality of blank tapes completely filled with the plurality of log data for writing additional amounts of the user data, wherein the plurality of log data in at least one of the plurality of blank tapes completely filled with the plurality of log data is preserved for an extended period of time.