| abstract |
A library partitioning module (LPM) is configured to connect multiple hosts to a tape library. The LPM comprises at least two host input/outputs, each for connection to a respective host; and a library input/output for connection to the library. The LPM is an interface between hosts and a tape library such that it allow several hosts to access the library as if they have sole use of the library's resources. The modification of requests includes intercepting SCSI messages between robot and host and translating/transforming them. At least one tape slot for each host is allocated as a virtual import/export location. When a host sends a command to move a tape between a driver or a tape slot and an import/export location, the request is modified by the LPM so that movement occurs instead between a virtual import/export slot allocated to that host. This avoids conflicts involving the import/export location resources of the library. A handler forming part of the LPM arranges for tapes to be moved between the virtual import/export locations and the actual import/export locations. A library including partitioning and request modifying software is also disclosed. |