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.