Data center security systems and devices

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, lockable enclosures, and methods for data centers. In one example, a lockable enclosure for a data drive is provided. The lockable enclosure includes a housing configured to retain a first data drive and a latch contained within the housing and configured to receive a second data drive, wherein the latch is configured to move within the housing for dispensing the first data drive from the housing while the second data drive remains secured therein.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lockable enclosure for a data drive, the lockable enclosure comprising:
 a housing; and   a latch contained within the housing and configured to engage a first data drive in a first position, wherein the latch is configured to move within the housing to a second position for securing the first data drive within the housing such that the first data drive is incapable of being removed from the housing in the second position.   
     
     
         2 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is configured to slide within the housing from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         3 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is configured to move in only one direction within the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is configured to move within the housing only when the latch is engaged the first data drive. 
     
     
         5 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is configured to receive the first data drive for moving the first data drive within the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 5 , wherein the latch comprises at least one flexible member configured to be biased in response to receiving the first data drive. 
     
     
         7 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one flexible member comprises an engagement member, and wherein the housing comprises at least one slot configured to align with the engagement member when the latch receives the first data drive therein. 
     
     
         8 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 7 , wherein the latch comprises a pair of flexible members and associated engagement members, and wherein the housing comprises a pair of corresponding slots. 
     
     
         9 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is configured to rotate within the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the first data drive is incapable of being removed from the housing in the second position without damaging or destroying the housing. 
     
     
         11 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the first data drive comprises a solid-state drive. 
     
     
         12 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising an identifier for identifying the lockable enclosure, and wherein the identifier is only visible when the latch has been moved to the second position. 
     
     
         13 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to house a second data drive while the latch is in the first position, and wherein the latch is configured to move within the housing for dispensing the second data drive from the housing while the first data drive remains secured therein. 
     
     
         14 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 13 , wherein the housing defines a second opening, and wherein the second data drive is configured to be dispensed from the housing through the second opening. 
     
     
         15 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 13 , wherein in the first position, the second data drive is inaccessible, and wherein in the second position, the second data drive is accessible. 
     
     
         16 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 13 , wherein the second data drive is secured within the housing prior to the latch engaging the first data drive. 
     
     
         17 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is configured to at least partially surround the first data drive. 
     
     
         18 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the latch comprises a pair of flexible members each configured to engage the first data drive. 
     
     
         19 . The lockable enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more ribs provided on the housing configured to block the latch from sliding from the second position to the first position. 
     
     
         20 . A method for securing and dispensing data drives, the method comprising:
 providing a housing containing a latch;   inserting a first data drive within the housing such that the latch engages the first data drive in a first position; and   moving the latch within the housing to a second position for securing the first data drive within the housing such that the first data drive is incapable of being removed from the housing in the second position.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , where providing comprises providing the housing containing a second data drive. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein moving comprises moving the latch within the housing for dispensing the second data drive from the housing while the first data drive remains secured therein.