Advantages of using Data Migrator
There are five key reasons to use Data Migrator with the server:
- Cost-Efficient Storage Utilization: Using Data Migrator, newer or routinely accessed data can be retained on primary storage, while older, less-accessed, or less performance-critical data is migrated to cost-efficient secondary storage. Data that has been migrated to secondary storage can be moved back to primary storage if it becomes active again.
- Easy Policy-Based Configuration: Data Migrator uses logical policies that invoke simple building blocks of rules to classify files as available for migration or reverse migration (returning the data from secondary storage to primary storage). Data Migrator rules and pre-conditions can include a file's size, type, access history, creation date, or owner, among other criteria. Files meeting the criteria in the rules and pre-conditions are migrated (or reverse migrated).
- Discreet Migration: Migrations are handled as automated background tasks with minimal impact on server performance. While migrations are in progress, all data can continue to be accessed normally.
- Client Transparency: Files migrated off primary storage are replaced by a link. The link looks and functions identically as the original file. When the link is accessed, the contents of the associated file are retrieved transparently from their location on secondary storage. To the client workstation, they appear indistinguishable. During a reverse migration, the data is moved from secondary to primary storage, and the link is removed.
- Maximizing Storage Efficiency through Migration Reports: Migration reports are created at the end of each migration cycle. These reports detail file usage and space consumption patterns, revealing opportunities to create more aggressive migration policies, freeing up more primary space.
Further migration possibilities can be gauged by scheduling Data Migrator test runs where reports can be produced without an actual migration taking place.