Remote Storage Services Recommended Practices

This article describes Remote Storage Services (RSS) and recommended practices for this service.

RSS is a hierarchical storage system. The most frequently used data is located on the server's hard disk, and less frequently used data is saved to tape. The hard disk is referred to as upper level or local storage with managed volumes (faster and more expensive), and the tape is referred to as lower level or remote storage (slower and less expensive).

RSS uses a junction point from the original file location that references the actual file stored on tape. The file name remains on the server, but the data is moved to the tape drive. When you attempt to gain access to the file, the server uses the junction point to find the data on the tape. If the tape is not present, a dialog box prompting you to load the tape is displayed at the server's console.

Data availability and integrity are critical and can be ensured if you follow some basic guidelines for RSS:

• Back up all local volumes managed by RSS.
  RSS uses Windows Backup to protect the junction points that are stored on local volumes. RSS also uses Windows Backup for the database in the %SystemRoot%\System32\RemoteStorage folder. Be sure to track the media that is used and the volumes that are managed by RSS. If the junction points are lost and cannot be recovered using Windows Backup or another backup solution, the RSS lower level tapes are not recoverable.
• Regularly validate all local volumes managed by RSS.
  The validation of the server's managed volumes should be scheduled to ensure that the files located on the managed volumes point to the correct remote storage tape and location.
• Make multiple copies of the remote storage tapes.
  The master set of tapes can become worn and may not work when you attempt to retrieve a file. Having multiple backup copies ensures that you can retrieve the data when necessary. RSS is ideal for data that is not touched for months or years, but needs to be accessible quickly when the need arises.
• Keep copies of remote storage data off-site.
  Select a storage location that is appropriate for the security needs of the data, and rotate copies off-site for safe storage. Your primary copy needs to be either in the tape drive or easily accessible, and the extra copy should be kept off-site.