Storage system and storage device archive control method

Abstract

The present invention performs appropriate archive management using a device that allows random access. An archive managing part 1B reads out files stored in an on-line volume 5A at a timing determined by the respective file type, and stores these files in a specified volume among archive volumes 5B1 and 5B2. A retention term is designated for each set of file data, and respective retention terms are also set for the respective volumes 5B1 and 5B2. The file data is stored in a volume having a retention term that matches the retention term of the file data. The respective volumes 5B1 and 5B2 are set in a device that allows random access such as a hard disk or the like. The areas in which data is written into the respective volumes 5B1 and 5B2 are managed as write prohibited areas by means of pointers P. As a result, the respective volumes 5B1 and 5B2 are used as a so-called WORM device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application relates to and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-30366 filed on Feb. 7, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a storage system and a storage device archive control method. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] For example, a storage device constructs storage areas based on an RAID (redundant array of independent disks) using a memory device such as a hard disk drive, semiconductor memory drive or the like. For example, these physical storage areas (logical volumes) are provided to a host computer such as a server machine or the like. [0006] The host computer provides information processing services to client terminals connected to the host computer by writing data into the logical volumes and reading data out of the logical volumes. For example, variou...

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Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a storage system and a storage device archive control method which are devised so that this system and method can produce add-on type volumes using a random access storage device, and be utilized for the storage of data files. It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage system and a storage device archive control method which are devised so that this system and method can prevent data alteration, and can improve future data utilizability. It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage system and a storage device archive control method which make it possible to prevent data alteration, and which allow the repeated re-utilization of the storage device. Still other objects of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments.

[0013] As a result, in the present invention, random access volumes can be used as add-on type volumes as in a so-called WORM (write once read many) device, and file data can be stored (archived). Furthermore, as a result of random access, the object file data can be accessed at a relatively high speed, so that the convenience of the system is improved. Moreover, for example, the file managing part can be called an archive manager, and the control part can be called a storage controller.

[0025] Accordingly, write prohibited areas move through the empty spaces of the volumes as time passes, although this also varies according to the size of the volumes, frequency of archiving of file data, size of the file data and the like. As a result, volumes can be repeatedly used, so that archive control can be performed at a relatively low cost.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, each volume comprises a file management area and a data storage area. File data that is input from the host device is stored in the data storage area in a non-rewritable manner. First file management information that is used to manage the file data stored in the data storage area is stored in a re-writable manner in the file management area. As a result, even in cases where the data storage area is repeatedly utilized in a sequential manner, the file data in the volumes can be managed by occasionally storing first file management information in the file management area. Furthermore, desired first file management information can be read out relatively quickly by randomly accessing the file management area.

[0031] Here, the head address of the file data that is to be stored next may also be included in the second file management information. Accordingly, the storage starting address of the file data that is to be stored next can be determined as a preparation by referring to the previously stored second file management information. Furthermore, the file data proper can be stored following the second file management information in the data storage area. Accordingly, as a preparation, the second file management information can be traced in succeeding order, and all of the second file management information can be read out relatively quickly. As a result, the file management information can be restored in a relatively short time.

[0033] In cases where a plurality of generations of file data with the same file name are thus present, the file managing part uses the common file name as a virtual directory name. Then, for example, the file managing part uses time information that distinguishes the respective generations inside this virtual directory as file names for the respective generations, and displays these file names. Specifically, in a case where the file data with a file name of “file1.txt” is respective stored in a volume in December 2004 and January 2005, the original file name is used as the directory name, and the respective storage dates are displayed as individual file names. As a result, the user can immediately specify and select file data of the desired generation.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, for example, in cases where data is stored in add-on devices such as CD-Rs or the like in order to prevent data alteration, since such devices have a relatively low output speed, such storage is inconvenient for later data utilization.

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