1 Introducing HP StorageWorks File System Extender

This chapter includes the following topics:

•What is FSE?, page 9

•FSE basics, page 9

•FSE architecture, page 11

What is FSE?

HP StorageWorks File System Extender (FSE) is a mass storage oriented software product, based on client-server technology. It has been designed and developed to support the archiving, backup, and online access of data-intensive applications like SAP® R/3®, DMS, CAD/CAM, digital imaging or BackOffice, as well as for applications in the audio, video and pre-print fields.

FSE provides large, virtually infinite storage space by combining disk storage and tape library storage with high-capacity tape media and by implementing Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM). It enables transparent and automated data archiving and retrieval, and efficiently stores and manages extremely large quantities of data. FSE implementation can be used as an online storage site or as a backup server. Its main benefits are easy data management with fast data access, economical data storage, and data protection. Data archiving and retrieval can be automated and customized for each end user of the FSE implementation by logically partitioning the system.

The efficiency of the FSE implementation is achieved with a storage capacity that consists of primary and secondary storage space. These two types of storage space present a successful combination of the speed of disk storage and the capacity and flexibility of tape media. In an FSE implementation, secondary storage space only stores least accessed files and primary storage space is used as a cache for recently used files. Policy-driven archiving and retrieval processes make it possible for FSE administrators to tune the system for best performance based on the type of data and the way applications handle that data.

FSE software manages both primary and secondary storage space. It is highly-modularized and implemented with a series of intercommunicating components that are responsible for data management. For detailed information on these components, see ”FSE components” on page 13.

Figure 1 Example of FSE storage spaces

For details on supported and required hardware and software, see the FSE release notes.

FSE basics

Infinite file system

The most significant characteristic of FSE is a virtually infinite file system and a very transparent access to the data through the file system. You have access to virtually unlimited storage capacity. FSE constantly controls the files in use. You define the way FSE controls these files with migration, release, and deletion policies. Additionally, FSE ensures ultimate data availability and safety with data replication. It also

HP StorageWorks File System Extender Software user guide

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