Basic operation of Remote Storage

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Basic operation of Remote Storage

The following steps describe how to use Remote Storage to manage space on your local disk volumes.

Before Remote Storage can manage your volumes, you must verify that a sufficient number of tapes or disks have been moved to a free media pool using Removable Storage. For more information on managing tapes or disks using Removable Storage, see Managing tapes and disks.

• You determine which local disk volumes you want Remote Storage to manage. You then define the amount of free space you want maintained on the volumes, the file-selection criteria for copying files to remote storage, and the type of media to use for remote storage.

• Remote Storage then copies files to remote storage that meet the criteria, leaving the original data stored, or cached, on the local volumes.

• Remote Storage compares the amount of available space on a managed volume with the amount you defined above. If the actual free disk space is less than the amount that you defined, Remote Storage removes the data on your local volumes, reducing the disk space used by the files to zero. This step continues until the free space setting that you defined is met or when all data has been removed from cached files on your managed volumes.

• When you want to access a file, you simply open the file on your local volume in the usual way. Remote Storage automatically recalls the data from remote storage and copies the data back to your local volume. The type of library and media used determines how much time delay you experience.

Recalling a file does not erase it from the tape or disk on which it is stored. This data can still be read by a malicious user who has physical access to the tape or disk. To ensure the security of the data, keep tapes or disks in a secure location.