PoINT Storage Manager Version 3.0

Efficient Storage Management using a Multi-Tier Architecture with file migration agents for NetApp FAS and Windows Servers

PoINT Storage Manager Version 3.0 is an innovative software application which provides an intelligent and effective solution for management of network storage resources and devices. PoINT Storage Manager is based on a Multi Tier Storage Architecture, which provides a central console for integration of multiple, diverse storage technologies (hard disk, tape, optical). Data which is permanently needed can be moved or copied transparently from a performance-optimized Tier1 device to a cost-optimized Tier 2 or Tier 3 device. Data which resides on NetApp FAS and Windows Servers can be Archived and replaced by links, freeing up valuable storage space on high performance storage. Users benefit from the most efficient use of existing storage equipment and fulfillment of compliance and disaster recovery requirements.

Increasing numbers of companies realize the benefits of the Tiered Storage approach.  Major reasons for the implementation of a Tiered Storage infrastructure are compliance and storage economics which both include requirements for migration of data. With PoINT Storage Manager, PoINT Software & Systems GmbH as an ISV (Independent Software Vendor) provides a solution that can be integrated in almost any infrastructure independent of the storage hardware used. The product offers the following major functions:

• Migration of inactive data by automated, policy-based Storage Tiering/ HSM
• Compliance by transparent  archiving
• Seamless migration across multiple diverse  storage systems

The benefit of a three-Tiered Storage architecture is evident: Expensive primary storage can be used much more efficient by migrating rarely used data to lower cost devices and to archive. This normally represents up to 80% of the total data. Expensive upgrade of primary storage is no longer necessary. In addition the back-up process is relieved. PoINT Storage Manager ensures that data is still available within the file system of primary storage after migration to cost-effective secondary storage (e.g. SATA RAID) Unlike other storage solutions, access to the requested file is provided directly to the application from the secondary storage by a pass thru mechanism, and data is not re-sent to the primary storage first.

Additionally to maintain compliance, files can be archived by a policy-based mechanism into the Archive Tier of the three-Tiered Storage model.  PoINT Storage Manager ensures that archived files are secured against modification and, if requested, attached with a retention period. The key advantage of PoINT’s hardware independent software solution is the support of all storage technologies (Disk, Tape, Optical, Cloud) and device types (DAS, NAS, CAS, Libraries…).

PoINT Storage Manager supports a multi tier storage architecture and migrates data – according to defined Policies – automatically to the most appropriate storage tier. A tiered storage concept combines the advantages of different storage technologies (hard disk, tape and optical) independently into an optimal storage-mix. Backups can be performed in a time- and space-saving manner as migrated data does not need to be saved again – it is already available on redundant second-level-devices.

Get The White Paper on Multi Tiered Storage

Tiered Archival Storage, WORM File System and File Migration Tools

• Network wide filter and policy based file Archiving and data migration
• Tiered Archive File System 'PoINT TAFS'
• Virtual File System provides Drive letter access to all storage devices and media types
• Automated File Migration
• Write Once File System for Hard Disc
• File Versioning Support
• Database-driven browsing and recovery
• Standardized UDF and PoINT Secure File System
• Transpartent access/Restoration of archived data
• Native support of standard storage hardware technologies including NAS, SAN, HDD, Tape, Optical and RDX

Compliant Archiving as part of a Storage Management Concept

Currently available magnetic storage technologies do not meet the requirements for long term Data Archiving and Retention. Thus PoINT Storage Manager encompasses Compliant Archiving as integral part of a Storage Management System and ensures data availability during a complete retention period. By means of configurable filters, data for archiving can be copied onto a different storage layer and if desired be replaced by a link. When new storage devices and technologies are available data migration to these new devices runs at the “push of a button”. In addition, the PoINT VFS may be configured as a WORM file system where saved/archived data may not be changed or be deleted. This is also applicable even if the configured storage device is a standard hard disk. During the archiving process, digital fingerprints for each single file are generated so that integrity of data can be proven anytime

Additional modules provide Data Protection, and Authentication features. Data Protection applies encryption of Archive Volumes, which prevents unauthorized access. Data Authentication monitors Archive Volumes for changes and alterations to data, and creates a series of reports to assure the accuracy and authenticity of data. For additional security, multiple storage devices in multiple locations may be used in parallel and multiple CD/DVD/BD disc production systems can also be used. A database of all archived files is presented in an Explorer like view where individual files, directories and the entire Archive Job can be searched and retrieved as needed. Files can be retrieved to their original location, or to a new location.

Policy Based Data Archival

PoINT Storage Manager uses a network-wide process of Filter Based Data Archiving, whereby multiple Storage Vaults can be created and configured to “Monitor” specified folders. Monitored folders can be locally attached devices as well as any accessible Windows Share, or NetApp FAS Filer. According to user defined Policies (time, size, age, access, attributes etc.), files contained within these monitored folders are either copied or moved into Storage Vaults. The Storage Vault contents can be stored on multiple Devices, in multiple locations in different Tiers. Devices can be “On Line” magnetic storage such as a NAS hard disk, as well as “Off Line” optical media which are produced using automated CD/DVD/BD disc production systems.  Secondary storage devices such as optical and tape libraries may also be used as On Line Archive Volume storage Devices. Additional Library management software is not required for all supported devices.

Monitoring and Migration
Based upon user defined archiving conditions, files within the monitored data source folders are either copied or moved to the Archive Volume. Conditions include size, age, access, hash value and attribute changes. Storage Manager can also monitor usage on source devices and migrate data based upon the percentage of free space remaining on a device.

Tiered Archive File System - WORM File Attributes & Transparent Access

Storage Manager incorporates PoINTs Tiered Archive File System (TAFS). When applied to monitored folders, TAFS provides settings & controls for management of files within these folders, allowing existing or new data shares to be secured as Write Once compliant volumes. Additionally with TAFS, files which are migrated into Archive Volumes located on secondary storage devices can be replaced by links at their original location. TAFS allows specifying independent conditions for Archival of data and for replacing source data files with Links to the Archive Volumes, freeing up valuable server space while maintaining transparent read access to the archived data via the file system.

PoINT Virtual File System (VFS)- WORM File Attributes & Transparent Read write Access to all removable storage devices and types.

Storage Manager incorporates PoINTs Virtual File System (VFS) which creates a shared drive letter which can profvide netwrk shared acess to any supported archive Device including Optical and Tape Libraries,. Shares may also be created with Permanent write once attributes providing secure compliant storage on any device.

Authentication Module for Data Security
PoINT’s Authentication module can check the integrity of archived files and verify if a medium or file has been manipulated. This assures the trustworthiness of the archive. Digital fingerprints of the archived files as well as of the complete volumes are encoded and stored in the volume itself as well as in the database. Thus any individual Archive Volume can be examined for consistency and compared with the database. Additionally, the files in the origin folder can be compared with the database or with the archived files. Documents which have been deleted or changed are identified and reported to the administrator.

Data Encryption Module

An available Data Encryption module uses an advanced algorithm which protects the entire contents of the Archive Volumes by preventing unauthorized access to archived data. The combination of a system key and different archive keys makes the files illegible outside of the specific PoINT Storage Manager installation. The PoINT Secure File System secures data written to any Archive Volume and when used with disc publishing systems combines the advantages of removable media with the security of closed systems.

Supported Archival Devices and Technologies

The list of supported devices is extended on a continuous basis

File Systems

UDF 1.5, 2.5, PoINT Secure File System

Optical Jukebox Technologies

CD-R, DVD-R, DVD+R Blu-Ray Disc, MO/UDO

CD/DVD/BD Publishing Systems

Primera · Rimage · TEAC          

HARD DISC /NAS Devices

NAS. SAN, UNC, NetApp Appliances, Plasmon Archive Appliance

Tape Drives and Libraries

LTO Tape Drives, and Libraries Dell, HP, IBM , Pivot Stor, QualStar, StorageTech(inc ACSLS)

Windows Server Operating Systems

Windows 7, XP Professional, 2003 Server, Vista, 2008 Server R2 (32 and 64 bit)