In an approach to improving write performance by enabling host data transfer immediately after a reposition command, responsive to receiving on a tape drive a reposition command from a host, a ready response is returned to the host. Write data from the host is accumulated in a write buffer, where the write data is accumulated in the write buffer while simultaneously moving a tape media in the tape drive to a target location. The write data from the write buffer is written to the tape media immediately after the target location is reached on the tape drive.

In an approach to improving write performance by enabling host data transfer immediately after a reposition command, responsive to receiving on a tape drive a reposition command from a host, a ready response is returned to the host. Write data from the host is accumulated in a write buffer, where the write data is accumulated in the write buffer while simultaneously moving a tape media in the tape drive to a target location. The write data from the write buffer is written to the tape media immediately after the target location is reached on the tape drive.

A magnetic tape cartridge includes a case in which a magnetic tape is housed, and an NVM of a cartridge memory provided in the case. The NVM stores cartridge information including an identification ID regarding an allowable range of temperature/humidity in using the magnetic tape, an upper limit of a preservation period of the magnetic tape, and an upper limit of a use frequency of the magnetic tape.

A magnetic tape cartridge includes a case in which a magnetic tape is housed, and an NVM of a cartridge memory provided in the case. The NVM stores cartridge information including an identification ID regarding an allowable range of temperature/humidity in using the magnetic tape, an upper limit of a preservation period of the magnetic tape, and an upper limit of a use frequency of the magnetic tape.

A method includes receiving, at a processor, an identification of a storage tape. The method further includes determining, at the processor, a start-point for extracting information from the storage tape. The method further includes extracting the information, by the processor, from the storage tape starting at the start-point. The method further includes determining, by the processor, whether an end-point of the information has been reached. The method further includes reproducing, by the processor, the information to a computer-readable medium. The method further includes formatting, by the processor, the information to conform with format requirements of an activity log analyzing tool.

An apparatus includes a tape cartridge housing, an RFID chip attached to the tape cartridge housing. The RFID chip includes a tape cartridge ID and tape cartridge information, a time relay operably connected to the RFID chip, and external contact points configured to contact another RFID chip of another tape cartridge within the same tier. A method includes receiving a tape cartridge label read request including a position indicator corresponding to a location of a tape cartridge of interest, moving a tape cartridge gripper to the location indicated by the position indicator, activating a field coil on the tape cartridge gripper to provide power to an RFID chip on a selected tape cartridge, detecting information transmitted by the RFID chip on the selected tape cartridge, determining if the selected tape cartridge is the tape cartridge of interest, and activating a next RFID chip on an adjacent tape cartridge.

A tape library apparatus includes a tape drive, a robot unit, and a second processor. The tape drive includes a first access mechanism and a first processor. The first access mechanism is configured to read position information from a non-contact type memory within a tape cartridge. The position information indicates a position of data recorded in a magnetic tape within the tape cartridge. The first processor is configured to perform positioning for the data. The robot unit includes a robot arm and a second access mechanism configured to access the non-contact type memory. The robot arm is configured to store the tape cartridge in the robot unit, and move the tape cartridge to the tape drive. The second processor is configured to control the second access mechanism to read the position information from the non-contact type memory, and store the position information in a non-volatile memory.

A tape library apparatus includes a tape drive, a robot unit, and a second processor. The tape drive includes a first access mechanism and a first processor. The first access mechanism is configured to read position information from a non-contact type memory within a tape cartridge. The position information indicates a position of data recorded in a magnetic tape within the tape cartridge. The first processor is configured to perform positioning for the data. The robot unit includes a robot arm and a second access mechanism configured to access the non-contact type memory. The robot arm is configured to store the tape cartridge in the robot unit, and move the tape cartridge to the tape drive. The second processor is configured to control the second access mechanism to read the position information from the non-contact type memory, and store the position information in a non-volatile memory.

A magnetic tape cartridge including: a magnetic tape; and a recording medium including a predetermined area for recording defect information, which is information regarding a defect of the magnetic tape detected in a production process of the magnetic tape. A recording device, a recording method, a data recording and reproducing system, and a data recording and reproducing method are also provided.

A magnetic tape cartridge including: a magnetic tape; and a recording medium including a predetermined area for recording defect information, which is information regarding a defect of the magnetic tape detected in a production process of the magnetic tape. A recording device, a recording method, a data recording and reproducing system, and a data recording and reproducing method are also provided.