Random access storage system capable of performing storage operations intended for alternative storage devices

摘要

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a storage system comprising at least one mobile random access storage device capable of storing first and second data on at least one docking station. The docking station is associated with an address wherein the address is identifiable by at least one host computer. A first and second sub-address are associated with the docking station wherein the first and second sub-addresses are identifiable by the host computer. The first sub-address corresponds to a first virtual device adapted for storing the first data on a first virtual media. The second sub-address corresponds to a second virtual device adapted for storing the second data on a second virtual media wherein the second virtual media is different from the first virtual media. The docking station is adapted to be responsive to the host computer as available for storing the first data at the first sub-address and the second data at the second sub-address when the docking station is operatively linked with the mobile random access storage device.