A computing system implements a SAN attached automated Hierarchical Storage Library with diverse media types and media failover capability where storage communications destined for any one media type may be redirected to another media type for uninterrupted storage communications with a host system when a failover condition has occurred. A preferred embodiment comprises: a) a controller network interface for connecting the storage area to a network; b) at least one control unit for HDD and removable media emulation; c) a failover bridge for seamless protocol conversion between media types; d) an HDD interface for connection to a plurality of HDD's on at least one backplane; e) at least one dual redundant controller component with dual mirrored NVRAM's thereby providing dual primary and failover communications links for the plurality of HDD's and removable media drives; f) a removable media interface for a plurality of removable media or removable media emulators.