5 Migration, release, recall, and deletion

This chapter includes the following topics:

•FSE operation basics, page 123

•Migration, page 127

•Release, page 129

•Recall, page 136

•Deletion, page 137

•Resource allocation, page 140

•System allocation and job priority policy, page 142

•Partition allocation and job priority policy, page 144

•Priority calculation, page 146

•Multiple copying, page 147

•HSM file system access modes, page 148

FSE operation basics

How does FSE function?

FSE keeps track of all migration and release tasks, thereby freeing users and administrators from constantly monitoring the state and use of disk capacity. Once the file data is released, the file directory containing information such as filename, access rights, time and date, and so on is maintained on the disk. This way you can access and recall the files at any time. The file location—that is, whether its data resides on the primary storage space (directly on the hard disk partition) or on the secondary storage space (media)—is transparent to the user. You see network file systems or network drive letters (CIFS) in your list of system drives. If you want to access one of these files, the file is either available on the file system or automatically recalled from the fastest available secondary medium transparently to the user or application.

Policies

FSE uses a powerful sets of rules to automate migration and release jobs and the deletion of expired files: the migration, release, and deletion policies.

•The migration policy defines a set of migration rules that govern the behavior of FSE’s automatic and regular migration of files to FSE media.

•The release policy includes watermarks that control file data release jobs and rules for exclusion of particular files from the release process.

•The deletion policy defines expiration periods for directories on the HSM file system, which are considered when the deletion job is triggered by an FSE user.

FSE handles recalls in a different way. A recall job is started automatically each time an FSE user tries to read an offline file, write to it or change its attributes. Apart from such implicit recalls on demand, FSE also enables its users to trigger recalls of files before they are needed. These so-called explicit recalls can be triggered with the fsefile command.

HSM lists

FSE manages migration and release jobs using lists of files that are candidates for migration or release, handled by the Hierarchical Storage Manager (HSM). Both jobs are configured and controlled independently.

FSE jobs

The essential jobs that are executed in FSE are migration, recall and release jobs. Migration and release jobs are usually configured to be triggered when certain criteria are fulfilled. These criteria are defined by the corresponding migration and release policies. In some situations, an explicit migration or release is required, which can be started by an FSE user with the fsefile command. A recall job is always triggered implicitly, when an FSE implementation user requests access to an offline file.

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HP File System Extender (FSE) manual FSE operation basics, How does FSE function?, Policies, HSM lists, FSE jobs
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File System Extender (FSE) specifications

HP File System Extender (FSE) is a sophisticated solution designed to optimize data storage management for enterprises that deal with large volumes of unstructured data. This technology addresses the challenges of data growth and the need for effective data retention strategies, enabling organizations to store and manage their information more efficiently.

One of the main features of HP FSE is its ability to intelligently migrate data between primary and secondary storage. By utilizing policies that determine when to move infrequently accessed files to lower-cost storage environments, FSE helps reduce the strain on primary storage systems and saves on costs associated with high-performance storage solutions. This tiered approach to data management ensures that organizations can access the data they need quickly while still maintaining an efficient overall storage architecture.

Another notable characteristic of HP FSE is its seamless integration with existing storage infrastructures. The solution works with a variety of storage systems, allowing organizations to utilize their current investments without the need for significant changes to their infrastructure. This interoperability is powered by advanced technologies that facilitate data migration and retrieval, ensuring a smooth transition for organizations looking to optimize their storage strategies.

Additionally, HP FSE is equipped with robust reporting and analytics capabilities. This functionality provides organizations with insights into their storage usage, helping them understand data patterns and optimize their storage environments accordingly. By having visibility into which files are accessed most frequently and which are rarely used, organizations can make informed decisions on data retention policies and storage management.

Security is paramount in data management, and HP FSE addresses this concern by implementing advanced data protection features. This includes data encryption, secure access controls, and compliance with industry regulations, ensuring that sensitive information is safeguarded throughout its lifecycle.

Overall, HP File System Extender is a comprehensive data storage solution that combines intelligent data management, seamless integration, insightful analytics, and robust security features. By leveraging these capabilities, organizations can efficiently manage their unstructured data, lower costs, and enhance operational efficiency, making it an invaluable tool in today’s data-driven landscape.
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