EFFICIENT NON-DATABASE FILE-EXPIRATION MANAGEMENT FOR DOCUMENT RETENTION

摘要

Disclosed are a method, system, program and data structure for implementing a records retention policy by storing selected files for designated lengths of time and then deleting them only when that time has passed. The invention performs this function in an efficient database-free manner. The invention performs this function by utilizing existing storage directory tree functionality provided by any computer operating system organized under a retention directory coupled with a mechanism for preventing unauthorized deletions of files designated for retention. Expiration of retained files may be managed through directory structure using directory names corresponding to expiration dates determined from identified retention periods for retained files. Files may be further protected from erasure by a kernel mode process which prevents erasure of any files contained in the retention directory.