Configure Storage Disks

The Storage Disk option enables you to view, add, edit or delete storage disks.

Storage disks are external devices on UNIX-based file systems that can be used for long term data storage. Storage disks function and operate the same way as physical tape media. You can add up to 16 storage disks.

When a storage disk is configured, the StorNext Storage Manager moves data to storage disks for long-term retention in addition to, or instead of tape. This enables users to leverage the specialized third-party functionality of appliances or store small files that might take longer to retrieve from tape. Many users will still use tape for long term storage and vaulting, but storage disk can be used to create tape-free archives.

Here are a few differences storage disks have over tape media:

Note: Before you create a storage disk, the disks you plan to use must reside in an existing, mounted file system.

Use Case Recommendation
File System configuration includes storage disks.

Avoid using that file system for any data other than storage disk stored data.

Note: If your file system includes storage disks and you accidentally fill it with unrelated user data (for instance, non-storage disk data) call the Quantum Technical Assistance Center and request the procedure to clean up and transcribe data.

Configuration includes Shared File Systems

Use complete and physically dedicated file systems (snfs, local, NFS, or other,) for storage disk data.

Note: Avoid shared file systems or file systems with linked directories.

Caution: Storage disks can be an important and integral part of your system, but you should NEVER rely solely on storage disks as your only backup location.

  1. On the Configuration menu, click Storage Destinations.

  2. Click the Storage Disk tab. Information for any previously configured storage disks is shown. For each configured storage disk, the page displays the current state and status (available or unavailable), storage disk name, mount point, directory, maximum number of I/O streams that can concurrently write to the disk, the copy number assigned to the storage disk, usage, and file count.

  3. Select the storage disk whose information you want to view.

  4. Click View.

  5. When you are finished viewing library information, click Done.

  1. On the Configuration menu, click Storage Destinations.

  2. Click the Storage Disk tab.

  3. Click New.

  4. Enter the following fields:

    • Storage Disk Name: The name of the storage disk you are creating.

    • Number of Streams: The number of I/O streams that can concurrently write to the disk. The default is 4 streams.

    • Copy # for policy classes: The copy number (1-4) assigned to the storage disk.

    • Mount Point: The file system mount point for the storage disk. Select an existing mount point from the drop-down list.

    • Directory: The directory selected for file storage. Select an existing directory from the drop-down list, or create a new directory by typing the new directory name and then clicking Create Directory.

  5. Click Apply to save your changes, or Cancel to exit without saving.

  6. Repeat Step 2 through Step 4 to add additional storage disks.

  1. On the Configuration menu, click Storage Destinations.

  2. Click the Storage Disk tab.

  3. Select the storage disk whose information you want to edit.

  4. Click Edit.

  5. Modify any of the fields you entered when creating the storage disk.

  6. Click Apply to save your changes, or Cancel to exit without saving.

  7. When a confirmation message appears, click Yes to proceed, or No to abort.

  8. After a message informs you that the storage disk was successfully modified, click OK.

  1. On the Configuration menu, click Storage Destinations.

  2. Click the Storage Disk tab.

  3. Select the storage disk you want to delete.

  4. Click Delete.

  5. When a confirmation message appears, click Yes to proceed with the deletion or No to abort.

  6. After a message informs you that the storage disk was successfully deleted, click OK.

  1. On the Configuration menu, click Storage Destinations.

  2. Click the Storage Disk tab.

  3. Select the storage disk.

  4. In the Select Action list, click one of the following:

    • Online to set the storage disk online.

    • Offline to set the storage disk offline.