4 Managing media

This chapter includes the following topics:

Introduction, page 91

FSE media pools, page 91

FSE media, page 98

Introduction

The way you manage FSE media can significantly increase the stability and performance of your FSE implementation. Managing media consists of tasks that are related to the media life cycle, from formatting, initialization and optional duplication for data vaulting, to replacing worn-out media and media reorganization.

FSE supports several media types, which are grouped into appropriate media pools. These media pools are created by the FSE administrator according to their purpose, for example, a backup pool for media is used only for backup and holds only one type of media.

All media must be formatted and initialized before they can be used for data storage by FSE. Then you are able to track media pools and media, review their characteristics and statuses, make exact copies of your media, or decide on multiple copies made at once. For specifics regarding disk media, see ”Disk mediaon page 99.

FSE media pools

An FSE media pool is common storage for the migrated HSM file system data. It groups media of the same type into a logical unit, which is tracked as a group. All media in the same FSE media pool share such characteristics as number of medium volumes, availability of system volumes, capacity of medium volumes, and so on (see ”FSE media” on page 98 for more information on media types and characteristics). Media in the same media pool can be located in multiple FSE tape libraries or disk systems.

A media pool is related to one FSE partition only and cannot be assigned to more than one partition. However, an FSE partition can have more than one media pool assigned to it, but the assigned media pools must be either regular or WORM. The number of media pools assigned to the FSE partition determines the number of copies to be made. For more information on multiple copying, see ”Multiple copying” on page 147.

The procedures in this section provide instructions for:

Media pool types and their characteristics, page 91

Configuring a media pool, page 92

Determining the configured media pools, page 95

Checking the status of a particular media pool, page 97

Media pool types and their characteristics

The media pool type is defined in the media pool configuration file. Location of configuration templates is platform-dependent.

Linux specific

Configuration templates for FSE media pools are located in the directory /opt/fse/newconfig.

Windows specific

Configuration templates for FSE media pools are located in the directory %InstallPath%\newconfig.

The value of %InstallPath% depends on the choice made in the FSE installation process. It defaults to C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\FSE.

For more information on editing templates, see ”Configuration basics” on page 38. Examples of FSE media pool configuration are listed in the next section, ”Configuring a media pool” on page 92.

HP StorageWorks File System Extender Software user guide 91

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HP File System Extender (FSE) manual Introduction, FSE media pools, Media pool types and their characteristics

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.