Availability and recovery of files using copy storage pools

摘要

A data processing system using a client-server configuration provides a method and apparatus for generating and managing multiple copies of client data files. A server coupled to a plurality of client systems organizes sets of storage volumes into storage pools. Primary copies of the client data files are stored in primary storage pools while additional back-up copies of the client data files are copied to secondary storage pools, called copy storage pools. A server database maintains directory information about the original client data file and reference information about the location of the multiple file copies within the server. A storage manager provides a control centre within the server, directing and coordinating the transfer of files between the various storage pools, and updating the server database with directory and reference location information.