Optical storage: terabytes on-line for IBM mainframes

An optical mass storage system for IBM mainframe computers is described. This system makes the unique benefits of WORM (write-once read-many) optical storage technology available to S/370 mainframe users while retaining the use of existing IBM programs and processes. This is accomplished through the emulation of 3480 tape equipment using the concept of virtual volumes combined with automated direct access. The resulting system is suitable for applications where high capacity, frequency access, and long-term data retention are required.<
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