Flexible storage management
Data archiving (external storage)
Plastic SCM system administrators can fine-tune storage utilization and manage multi-terabyte projects easily -- for the gaming industry, for example.
The archiving (or external storage) capability extracts revision data from the repository database and places it in secondary storage -- typically, a file server, DVD, or tape. This reduces the size of the repository to be managed on a day-to-day basis. The archived data can still be accessed, since the repository retains information about the external storage location.
External storage access modes
The archived data can be accessed from external storage in two ways:
- On-line access: clients have transparent access to the archived data. The only difference a client perceives is slower performance (if the external data is stored on a slower device).
- Off-line access: when a client attempts to access archived data, Plastic SCM issues a prompt to load a particular archived volume (DVD or other external storage device). This method is designed to support users who require occasional access to an asset library, without needing to have all archived data instantly accessible.
