Digital archives are complementary to primary disk storage. They represent a tier of storage that is typically lower performance than primary disk but much lower in cost per TB.
Archives are quite different to backups. A backup provides data protection for primary disk volumes. It allows files to be restored in case of problems with the primary storage. Whereas, a digital archive contains files that are typically no longer stored on primary disk; they have been moved to the archive tier of storage.
XenData is well known as a supplier of highly scalable Active Archives. An Active Archive contains data that is too valuable for an organization to discard and has the following characteristics:
• Content is often restored but not intensively
• Archived content may be changed but not often
An archive that contains data which is very rarely accessed would typically be called a ‘deep archive’.
Why XenData Active Archives?
There are many reasons why XenData active archives have become a standard for creative media applications. Today, a XenData archive is a platform that can also be used to share files via the cloud and, also for backing up to the cloud.
XenData LTO archives save files to LTO data tape for secure long-term retention. They scale to multiple petabytes and are available in single server and clustered configurations. Options include complete turnkey solutions with a robotic LTO library and archive server; alternatively, an archive appliance or server cluster may be purchased to work with a customer supplied LTO drive or library. XenData LTO archives may be cloud enabled. This means that cloud object storage may be designated as a storage location in addition to, or as an alternative to, LTO data tape.
XenData Optical Disc Archives save files to Sony Optical Disc Archive (ODA) cartridges for secure long-term retention. XenData archive servers manage Sony ODA libraries to provide fast access to petabytes of secure storage. They are available in single server and clustered configurations. A XenData appliance may be used to manage ODA external drives, making it accessible across a network. XenData ODA archives may be cloud enabled. This means that cloud object storage may be designated as a storage location in addition to, or as an alternative to, ODA.
XenData Cloud Archives are hybrid cloud storage systems that combine the convenience of cloud storage and the performance of on-premises disk where most frequently accessed files may be retained. They scale to hundreds of petabytes held in one or more clouds, support partial file restores and video streaming.
