Server-managed power saving method for automated tape libraries and drives

Abstract

A system of controlling tape drives within a tape drive library where a backup server utilizes client backup schedules and pending client restore requests to efficiently control the powering on and off of tape drives within a tape drive library.

1 . A system for controlling power to a tape drive in an automated tape drive library by a backup server, said backup server:
 determines if a request to perform an operation to one of restore data stored in said tape drive library, and to backup data to said tape drive library has been made, wherein said operation to backup data further includes retrieving a backup schedule and determining from said schedule when said requested backup is to be performed;   determines a required number of tape drives for said requested operation;   determines an available number of powered tape drives in said tape drive library;   selects specific tape drives from said tape drive library based on determining if said required number of tape drives is greater than said available number of powered tape drives in said tape drive library;   commands a power control module to power said selected specific tape drives from said tape drive library;   updates a power state value and resets a cumulative operating time value for each of said selected specific tape drives;   performs said requested operation and repeats until completed if said requested operation is incompletely performed;   determines said cumulative operating time value and a cumulative idle time value of each tape drive in said tape drive library;   determines tape drives in said tape drive library that include said cumulative idle time value greater than a predetermined idle time threshold;   commands to power off said determined tape drives in said tape drive library that include said cumulative idle time value less than said predetermined idle time threshold; and   updates said power state value, and resets said cumulative operating time value and said cumulative idle time value for each of said determined tape drives in said tape drive library.