System for providing virtual data storage medium and method of providing data using the same

A system for providing a virtual data storage medium using data storage federation, the system comprising:

• a heterogeneous data storage medium including a plurality of data storage media, each of which is using different interfaces, protocols, and commands for using stored data, wherein the plurality of data storage media include at least one first external storage device that is directly connected to the system via a dedicated cable without passing through a network, and at least one second external storage device that is connected to the system via a network;
• and
• a federation unit configured to generate a virtual data storage medium by federating the heterogeneous data storage medium including the plurality of data storage media, wherein the federation unit comprises a protocol conversion module configured to convert a user input directed to the virtual data storage medium to be compatible with the first external storage device or with the second external storage device, wherein
• the at least one second external storage device comprises a network-attached storage (NAS) that uses a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) protocol to communicate with the system,
• the plurality of data storage media further include at least one third external storage comprising a storage area network (SAN) that uses a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate with the system, and
• the protocol conversion module configured to:
• when the user input is only compatible to the first external storage device that is directly connected to the system via the dedicated cable without passing through the network, the protocol conversion module configured to convert the user input that is only compatible to the first external storage device to be compatible with the TCP/IP, and also convert the user input to be compatible with the SCSI protocol,
• when the user input is only compatible to the SCSI protocol, convert the user input to be compatible with the first external storage device that is directly connected to the system via the dedicated cable without passing through the network, and also convert the user input to be compatible with the TCP/IP, and
• when the user input is only compatible to the TCP/IP, convert the user input to be compatible with the first external storage device that is directly connected to the system via the dedicated cable without passing through the network, and also convert the user input to be compatible with the SCSI protocol.