Managing retention-copy storage rules

You do not explicitly create a retention-copy storage rule. Instead, a retention-copy storage rule is automatically created when you create a retention storage pool. The name that you specify for the retention storage pool is automatically applied to its associated retention-copy storage rule.

A retention storage pool represents tape storage devices or cloud object storage, and is dedicated to storing only retention set data. The retention storage pool's associated retention-copy storage rule defines a daily processing window during which retention sets can be copied to the retention storage pool. You cannot explicitly delete a retention-copy storage rule. Instead, a retention-copy storage rule is automatically deleted when its associated retention storage pool is deleted.

During the daily processing window, eligible retention sets are copied to the retention storage pool. All retention sets that are associated with the retention storage pool are eligible. Each eligible retention set has an associated retention job, which coordinates the copy processes for that retention set.

A retention set's retention storage pool is specified when the retention set is created, either by a retention rule or by an administrator who creates a one-time retention set. A retention set that does not specify a retention storage pool is kept in primary storage as an in-place retention set and is not copied to tape or cloud storage. If a retention set specifies a retention storage pool, it is first created as an in-place retention set in primary storage in preparation for being copied to tape or cloud storage. The retention set's retention job waits in a sleeping state for the daily processing window. During its processing window, the retention-copy storage rule coordinates the order in which individual retention jobs copy retention set data. A retention job that cannot complete the copying process returns to a sleeping state until the next processing window.

Although you cannot explicitly create or delete a retention-copy storage rule, you can adjust its processing window by changing its daily start time and duration. You can limit the number of parallel processes that copy data to the retention storage pool. You can deactivate the storage rule to prevent it from running on its daily schedule. You can also run the storage rule without waiting for its scheduled run time.