MLtek is a company that is based in England and develops software for various technology problems that others often find difficult to deal with. Their major claim to fame is the software product ArchiverFS. You can find out more their archiving solution here. They have a great overview that explains how ArchiverFS works on their website.
Archiving solution
This is an archiving solution allowing you to use any type device as 2nd tier file storage which costsonly pennies of what mostcustomary file archiving and HSM software cost. How ArchiverFS works is by letting you move your unused as well as old files from your primary network storage to 2nd tier archive storage in mass with ArchiverFS leaving seamless stubs behind in place of the archived files all while continuing file features, permissions as well as structures of directory.
Difference
But unlike most other file archiving software is not a solution for document management that has been madeto fit into the role of a file archiving system. They use REFS/NTFS from beginning to end and do not use a database of any kind to store files or store file metadata information in and because of this; ArchiverFS leaves only the tiniest of footprint on the host system. This software was released in 2002 and has been in constant redevelopment ever since that time – to only make it better for use. It is used by a multitude of companies around the world.
How it works
The way that this software works is quite simple, you denote the UNC paths you want to checkfor any old files, defineconditions that you wish to use and tell this softwareexactly where old files should be moved. ArchiverFS will then do that and at the same time, ArchiverFS will mirror the structure of the directory to the targeted archiver placement and carry on with all the file permissions and attributes.
No database
By using the method of no database for storing file metadata of any type in, makes this software product so totallyexclusive to ArchiverFS and is not found in any other software of this same type making ArchiverFS so incredibly scalable and quite cost effective. Additionally, only functionality that is already included naturally with the Windows operating system is used. This does not require the installation of any 3rd party software or agents at individual workstations. It is reliant on natural functionality which also has another benefit – ArchiverFS is straight out of the box compatible with all of Microsoft storage technologies such as:
- DFS
- De-Duplication
- Compression
- Replication
Additional information
Due to all of this even the links that can be left behind in place of archived files are based on natural functionality which gives the option of Symbolic links for seamless access to the archived files using links that has been left by ArchiverFS on all of the IO and which go straight from the user’s workstation direct to the file. There are also extra procedures in the way which means that users do not have to wait for any item to be moved to live system prior to being able to open them opened – the file is pulled straight from the archive storage.
But there is more
But this software does not just do this, not only does it give you the capability to archive old files to 2nd storage, but italso can manage archived files by syncing permissions with the live file system and evenreturn files recently used back to the live file system customarily. You also get the capability to end the lifeof archived files routinely once they have been unused for a set period of time that you stipulateand includes the removal of their links from live system and the writing out to a final location of your choice for a final backup/deletion. This all adds up to one of the most effective solutions to old files in network file storage and also makes this software quite popular.
Benefits
There are many benefits to this software one being to meet “recovery time objectives” in the event of any type of calamity. You might be able to backup your files ok, but how long does it take you to restore them? That is a large challenge for lots of organizations having multitudes of files. But by archiving your old files to 2nd storage you are able to back up your live as well as archive files unconnectedly and you will then be able to restore the live current files first giving your users what they need to start working again and then as a secondary option takes back the old archiver files.
Reclaiming space on expensive 1st tier storage
The less data you try to store on your primary storage the longer its service life will be. File systems seem to grow exponentially, it does not matter what you spec in terms of capacity users always seem to be able to fill it up fairly quicker than anyone can usually imagine. ArchiverFS allows you to take that growth thus extending the life of your life file systems.
Guarantee regulatory compliance
It might be the GDPR guidelines in the EU or it might be something similar in another part of the world, but these days, businesses handling data are usually faced with some type of legislation concerning how long they can maintain data for. ArchiverFS enables you to indicate just how long you want to keep files prior to they being disposed of thus helping you meet any legal obligations.
Slash backup costs
Old files do not change often, but when you do have a full backup of your file system you will be often backing up old static content. With all old files archived to 2nd line storage, your file backups decrease in size saving on time and costs.
To learn more about ArchiverFS, just go to MLtek’s website for the answer to any questions that you might have.