Protecting data segments in a computing environment

A method for protecting a plurality of data segments by a processor device in a virtual tape library in a computing environment, comprising:

• establishing an initial ownership of the at least one of the plurality of cartridges, including performing:
• configuring an ownership history table to accompany each of the plurality of data segments for consultation during a replication operation, wherein the ownership history table updates and lists correct ownership of the data segments;
• if the ownership history table indicates an ownership conflict, the replication operation is inhibited;
• gaining ownership of a source location at the time of creation of the plurality of data segments;
• setting an ownership attribute with an ownership identification (ID) of the at least one source location in a grid context for the plurality of data segments;
• listing the ownership ID of the plurality of data segments in the history table;
• if an error occurs during the replication operation from a source location to a destination location causing at least one of a plurality of data segments to be deleted in the source location,
• executing a fallback operation by a reverse replication process of the at least one of a plurality of data segments from the destination location to the source location, and
• regaining ownership of the at least one of a plurality of data segments by the source location;
• and
• pursuant to the failback operation,
• enabling the reverse replication process if an owner of the at least one of a plurality of data segments is a designated one of the destination location, and
• adding an invalid owner notification in the history table, wherein the failback operation is identified for the designated one of the at least one destination location.