Auto-stor is designed to scan and collect detailed metadata on data files and storage resources, as well as statistics on storage utilization and data-usage patterns across heterogeneous file systems, without the help of server agents. It lets the administrator create volume, groups based on common characteristics, such as cost, manufacturer/model, available capacity and storage type. Additionally, the user, based on attributes such as last access/modified, can define so-called file groups like size, owner and type, each of which may be assigned a level of priority reflecting its value to the business. These resource groups are incorporated into policies using a wizard-based interface.
The solution still requires the administrator to bring to the setup an understanding of the specific storage requirements of data so they can be included in file groups. Also, the product doesn't offer access-frequency counting functionality that might help determine when data needs to be moved from platform to platform or to archive.
"Currently, file systems don't keep track and export file access counts," the vendor says. "However, we have requested this capability from several vendors. If and when they do offer this, Arkivio Auto-stor will be able to readily take advantage of this information in file grouping and policy actions."
Arkivio has come up with a unique mechanism for automating the migration process based on observed and user-supplied information. Its PAE (Policy Automation Engine) computes a DVS (Data Value Score) for the file groups and an SVS (Storage Value Score) for the volume groups to determine the most appropriate files and volumes to include in data-management actions. DVS scores are calculated using the data's parameters, such as age, size, last modified, last accessed and assigned priority level. Similarly, SVS scores are calculated based on volume attributes, such as cost and the percentage of storage utilized.
The product directly supports only Common Internet File System and Network File System files. However, it can indirectly support e-mail, using third-party e-mail archiving software.
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