When you install the Windows 2000 Server Support Tools from the Server CD-ROM, two Remote Storage Services tools are included. I quote:
Remote Storage Diagnostic Utility (Rsdiag.exe)
This command-line tool examines Remote Storage (HSM) databases and displays diagnostic information about jobs, managed volumes of the version of NTFS file system used in Windows 2000, removable media, and other Remote Storage information useful for system analysis. The Remote Storage Diagnostic Utility (RsDiag) can output each of the Remote Storage databases and property files in text format.
RsDiag works with the Remote Storage File Analysis Utility to help diagnose problems in the Remote Storage databases and, if necessary, recover lost data.
Remote Storage overview
Remote Storage makes it easy for you to extend disk space on your server computer without adding more hard disks. Remote Storage automatically copies eligible files on your local volumes to a tape library, then monitors the amount of space available on your local volumes.
File data is cached locally so that it can be accessed quickly as needed. When the amount of available space on a managed volume dips below the level you need, Remote Storage removes the content from the cached files, providing the disk space you need. When data is removed from a file, the disk space used by the file is reduced to zero. Data from cached files is not removed until more disk space is needed. When you need to open a file whose data has been removed, the data is recalled from remote storage.
Remote Storage Server
Remote Storage Server is a Windows 2000 storage management service designed to lower storage costs by trading latency for media cost. Based on established criteria, data can automatically be migrated from local volumes (primary storage) to a secondary type of directly attached storage, usually consisting of inexpensive media. Supported secondary storage in Windows 2000 includes jukeboxes of tape-based storage libraries.
When Remote Storage Server migrates files to secondary storage, it leaves a minimal attribute set, including an NTFS reparse point, on the primary storage so that migrated files can be recalled from secondary storage devices. The Windows 2000 graphical user interface (GUI) indicates that access to a remotely stored file incurs retrieval latency.
Remote Storage Server is beneficial in managing the cost associated with large quantities of data that must be accessible. It is one of several new features in Windows 2000 that are dedicated to lowering total cost of ownership associated with distributed computing.
Remote Storage File Analysis Utility (Rsdir.exe)
This command-line tool examines Remote Storage reparse points, displaying Remote Storage information for files in the current directory and its subdirectories. The Remote Storage File Analysis Utility (RsDir) displays information only for files located on volumes managed by Remote Storage.
RsDir works with the Remote Storage Diagnostic Utility to help diagnose problems in the Remote Storage databases and, if necessary, recover lost data.
NOTE: See the Start / Programs / Windows 2000 Support Tools / Tools Help for additional information.
