IBM 3850: mass storage system

IBM's 3850, a hierarchical storage system, provides random access to stored data with capacity ranging from 35 X 109 to 472 X 109 bytes. The hierarchical architecture achieves access times varying from Direct Access Storage Device speeds to that of the Mass Storage Facility which can be as low as 10 seconds. The architecture of the Mass Storage System is examined to demonstrate its functional and performance capability.