ROODE@BIONET-20.ARPA.UUCP (03/05/87)
I saw a message that talked about a primitive system of file archiving. We need on VMS what we enjoy on TOPS-20: an integrated file archiving and retrieval system. 1. System manager can identify files not read or written in a specified period (i.e. deadwood). Users can optionally be sent message listing such files. After potentially waiting for them to respond, the system manager can move the files to tape, leaving a pointer behind for the user, ONLINE. 2. Users can have two quotas, working and permanent. Users over their permanent quota at a pre-defined time (2 a.m. MWF) are subject to forced migration of files to offline storage, with pointers left behind ONLINE. Users can identify files to leave on line at all costs, and specify the order for selection of files to move offiline. 3. Users can selectively request archive of files in offline storage, WITH ONLINE POINTERS. A queue is maintained of files to be processed, with movement to offline status (ONLINE pointers) at a pre-defined time, i.e. 1AM MTWThF), as a part of normal system tape procedures, e.g. backup. 4. Retrievals are requested at users' convenience. An interactive command issued to review files currently in offline storage and to request retrieval of same. A queue is maintained, with files retrieved according to system policy, i.e. continuously during the day, within 1 hour, within 4 hours, daily at night, etc. 5. All of this benefits from operational practice that once moved offline, 90% of files are never sought again by their owners. However, users are many times more amenable to removing data from online storage when online pointers and a retrieval path are maintained. Disk usage can be reduced by up to 50%, with minimal increase in operational overhead. And, DIGITAL HAS IT NOW, in TOPS-20, order number QT100. -------