The Solution for Information Lifecycle Management

PoINT Storage Manager - Enterprise Edition

When you consider the lifecycle of a file, it becomes clear that the challenges relating to manageability and performance vary when moving from one cycle to another. A multi-tiered storage architecture can both meet files’ requirements and also integrate the required hardware to make optimal use of it.

The storage vault concept can configure up to 64 individual archiving and storage transfer processes with individually specified policies. The single-point-access approach through the primary storage system (source system) enables transparent archiving and data transferal for users and applications. There is no need to make any adjustments to the existing workflow.

Transparent read access for the PoINT Storage Manager is enabled through the use of so-called “stubs”, reducing unnecessary re-storage of inactive or archive-ready data. However, policies can help to automatically retrieve files that have once again become relevant.

The multi tiered storage architecture of the PoINT Storage Manager allows the use of a range of storage technologies without requiring any additional software. With the help of policies, inactive and archive-ready files are automatically archived and transferred to more suitable, more cost-effective secondary storage. As well as reducing the amount of primary storage required, this automatic process also leads to increased efficiency in working processes and optimized operational efficiency.

File archiving allows businesses to meet both internal and legal compliance requirements, taking into account the relevant requirements for files. The flexible “write once, read many” (WORM) properties of the PoINT Storage Manager create the foundations for compliance.

Retention management enables targeted, time-specific protection of archived files against manipulation, changes or deletion. In many industries, this represents the foundation for compliance with legal regulations on storage periods. Once the retention period expires, files can be selectively chosen and both the stub in primary storage and the archived file in secondary storage can be deleted. Retention management also enables management and maintenance of archived files. After a specified period of time, archived files without stubs (a link to the primary storage system) can be marked and selected for deletion.
Versioning of archived files can be configured based on rules for how multiple versions should be preserved.

The flexibility of a multi-tiered storage architecture enables both the storage and archiving of data as well as rules-based replication across additional secondary storage systems within a given tier. Replication of this type can enable both geographical and technological separation. Under this system, the so-called archive tier can be configured to include up to four different archive storage systems and technologies, enabling extremely high system stability.

Cloud storage and object-based storage systems (object storage) can be used on a targeted basis thanks to the flexible properties of the multi-tiered storage architecture used within the PoINT Storage Manager. They can be integrated into storage infrastructure using a standard file system, making the concept easy to execute. Storage virtualization within (private) cloud storage can help to balance out issues such as peak demand across separate departments or applications. Public cloud storage services (from a cloud storage provider) should be preferred for archiving in the archive tier or for replicating locally archived files. Replication is used in a targeted fashion to increase system stability.

Authentication also offers additional data security. Manipulation and misuse are also covered. The use of an AES256- and CBC-based block-level encryption process guarantees additional protection for data.

The flexible multi-tiered storage architecture opens up the option for customers to use a hybrid cloud storage infrastructure (a combination of public/private cloud storage and traditional storage technologies) in order to benefit from the specific advantages of each chosen option and to optimize storage.

PoINT Storage Manager can use corresponding connectors to integrate the standard S3 and CDMI interfaces as well as the following object-based storage systems  (object storage):

• Amazon S3
• Caringo CAStor / Swarm
• Cloudian HyperStore
• DellEMC Atmos / ECS
• DellEMC Centera
• HGST Active Archive
• Hitachi Content Platform
• IBM COS
• Microsoft Azure
• NetApp StorageGRID Webscale
• Quantum Lattus
• Scality RING
• SUSE Enterprise Storage

Businesses are increasingly facing the challenge of dismantling outdated storage systems within their IT infrastructure and moving to new ones. With the help of the PoINT Storage Manager, the integrated PoINT VFS can integrate outdated systems (e.g. MO/WORM jukeboxes) and new ones into a consolidated storage solution. The files from the old storage system remain accessible to the file system during data migration  and are seamlessly transferred across to the new storage system in the background. This transparent scenario enables uninterrupted application operations, even during data migration, and avoids the need for reconfiguration. This also reduces the need to retain excessively costly support contracts with the sole purpose of keeping outdated hardware on life support. The tiered storage architecture can be realized on benefit-oriented hardware components with the help of transparent data migration, resulting in an optimal solution for the user.

This integrated migration functionality produces significant planning security and flexibility for businesses in terms of storage technology and hardware. The tiered storage architecture means that files can be stored on a suitable storage level at any time based on their value, and it also makes future technological updates easy to implement.

However, the migration concept is not only useful for archiving systems – it is also suitable for migrating primary storage systems. With the help of the PoINT Storage Manager Agents for NetApp FAS, EMC VNX and Windows NTFS, primary storage systems from leading hardware manufacturers can be transparently migrated to a new system without any interruptions.

The PoINT Storage Manager provides network-wide, rules-based data security which can be implemented even within complex internal business infrastructures. Reliable data security is essential both for protecting sensitive data and for compliance purposes. Automated, transparent data replication allows data to be secured redundantly on configured storage systems, avoiding data loss through forward planning. The parallel use of varying storage technologies, with each of their respective advantages, forms another component of the data protection plan. The use of removable media and the integration of cloud storage into a three-tier storage architecture enables data protection through geographically separated off-site storage. Recovery support enables optional setup of the storage environment , rounding out the data protection package.

Aside from data protection, data security is also a critical component for securely working with business data. The data security system uses an AES256- and CBC-based block-level encryption process, and the storage configuration itself can also be secured using a unique encryption key.

Another component of data security is the data authenticity function based on the SHA-1 standard. The automatically calculated hash value enables data authenticity to be checked in order to identify potential manipulation of archived data.

This feature enables users to manually initiate archiving of selected data themselves. The administrator provides a framework of rules and commands and authorizes the users. The users can then select the “User Controlled Archiving” feature via the familiar user interface of the Windows Explorer. So there is no need to familiarize with a new software or interface. Thus users can easily archive files and, if necessary, restore them.