US Patent 9063542 Data storage drive with target of opportunity recognition

A method according to one embodiment includes receiving a command to mount a tape cartridge in a tape drive, mounting the tape cartridge in the tape drive, and determining that at least one special operation can be performed by the tape drive after mounting of the tape cartridge thereby. A first notification that the tape drive is in a not ready state is sent in response to determining the at least one special operation can be performed. The at least one special operation is performed. A second notification that the tape drive is in a ready state or an error state is sent after performing the at least one special operation.