Veritas : Storage Exec 5.3
Automated Data Management

Storage Exec allows you to set user quotas for an effective storage management solution. Gone are the days of fueling your storage fires by adding more and more disk space to an already cramped server closet. You are now free from endlessly gutting corporate servers of Internet byproduct such MP3 files, games, movies, jokes and perhaps even offensive materials. Never again will you spend your weekend cleaning up file server damages caused by the latest worm virus that your anti-virus patch didn't pick up in time. (Storage Exec used to be called StorageCentral).

The Problem:

Users are saving non-work related files (executables, movies, pictures and music files. ……. etc.) to servers across your network. They are also keeping any number of obsolete files on your servers. Even users that have left the company still have files out there. The sales force has 20 copies (at least) of the corporate presentation.

Result
Anything from 30% to 70% of your used storage could be redundant (and recoverable).

Some systems managers simply say - "Nowadays storage is cheap - so I just buy more - problem gone". But the problem isn't gone it looms ever larger as long as this strategy is pursued. The real problem is time.

Time for back-up - The back-up takes longer and the window gets shorter - until you have to buy more kit.
Time wasted in restarting back-ups that have failed (especially those that don't have time to run to completion).
System crashes that take twice as long to bring back from back-up tapes because you have double the storage you should have.
Slower server performance with increasing levels of complaints from your users.
Your Time - Systems managers stay involved in day-to-day storage admin that could be automated.

The Solution: Storage Exec - Features and Benefits

Effective Storage Resource Management
Quota Management - Storage Exec can create and enforce quota limits on individual users, files, folders, or partitions to control storage growth and enforce users to manage their own storage.
File Blocking - Administrators can set up real-time filters that block inappropriate, non-business file types such as graphics, MP3s, and viruses from being stored on the server.
Extensive Reporting - Reports provide in-depth visibility into storage environment, enabling users to identify and reclaim wasted space and manage storage resources with greater efficiency.
Flexible - Comprehensive add-on options and agents are now available. They enable customers to enhance Storage Exec functionality to suit their business needs.
Centralized Management - Powerful central console enables users to manage and monitor Storage Exec activities from a single interface.
NEW! Integration with Backup Exec - Seamless integration with Backup Exec via Backup Execä SmartLink, which enables users to immediately backup or archive data from Storage Exec reports.
Microsoft Certified - Storage Exec is fully Microsoft Windows certified by Veritest, ensuring full compatibility and reliability in Windows servers' environments.

Simple Administration
MMC-Based Interface - Conforming to the standard Microsoft Management Console interface makes navigating through Storage Exec simple and intuitive.
Predefined Customizeable Policies - Storage Exec comes with pre-configured policies. Administrators can easily select from a menu of best practice policies, and make their own custom edits.
Auto Detect - Storage Exec can automatically apply designated management policies to newly installed systems on the server network or SAN.
Auto Detect New Sub-Folders and Users - Storage Exec can automatically identify new sub-folders and associated users as they are created. This makes it easy to maintain up to date storage resource management policies as sub-folders and users come and go.
NEW! Information Desk Administration Console - New overview page easily guides users through the task of setting up and configuring the software. This makes getting started faster and easier.
SNMP Integration - Storage Exec can use simple network management (SNMP) protocols for alert notification. Administrators can raise alerts through event management frameworks.
Multiple-Alarm Actions - As the result of any individual quota or file screen alarm being activated, multiple actions can execute. Storage Exec can send end-user notifications, run disk cleanup reports, notify the administrator, and record event records in a log.
Alarm History - Storage Exec makes defining alert notifications easy by keeping a history of previously used messages. Administrators can simply select from a menu of previously used messages and make any necessary custom edits.

Automated Quota Management
Real-time Monitoring of Storage Policies - Monitor and enforce quota policies in real time. Standard best practice policies enable quick and easy implementation. Intermittent thresholds notify users and administrators when pre-set thresholds are exceeded.
Patented TruStor® Technology - TruStor real-time quota filter driver provides real-time quota management. No file can touch the drive without first passing through the TruStor filter. If a file is too large to write without exceeding the capacity threshold, it can be stopped. This critical distinction increases storage availability by eliminating out-of-space conditions.
Five Alert Thresholds - Storage Exec provides up to 5 space utilization thresholds per managed object, with automatic alert messaging and actions. Multiple threshold notifications not only prepare users as they approach their maximum space allocation, but also give users a basis for raising awareness about personal storage consumption rates.
Active or Passive Quotas - Storage Exec provides administrators flexibility in policy enforcement. Quotas can be set to be Active or Passive. Active limits prevent users from taking up more space that is allocated. Passive quota limits send informational messages when users reach quotas but do not prevent user from using more space.

Automated File Blocking
Blocks File Types - Storage Exec blocks unwanted file types such as MP3s, graphics, copyright material, and viruses, even if clever users attempt to disguise attempt to disguise unauthorized file types as legitimate. Ensuring storage resources are used only for business data while minimizing legal exposure.
Flexible Policies - To accommodate users or groups that may have legitimate business need for otherwise blocked file types, Storage Exec is flexible enough to allow exceptions to the rules for objects, users, or groups.

Enhanced Reporting
Enhanced Reporting - Storage Exec provides extensive reporting capabilities to help administrators quickly and easily reclaim wasted space and identify problem storage areas. With increased visibility and understanding of a storage environment administrators can make better storage decisions and manage storage with greater efficiency.
Standard Reports - Storage Exec comes with 10 standard reports. Reports include: Duplicate Files, File Type Summary, Graphics Files, Space By User Summary, and much more.
Drill-Down Reporting - To probe further into Storage Exec reports, administrators can open, move, or delete individual files or groups of files simply by right-clicking on the item(s) - directly from a web browser!
End-User Clean Up - Reduce administration by enabling end users to clean up their own storage. With active HTML reports, users can simply right-click files to view, move, or delete them - right from a web browser.
NEW! Advanced Reporting Option - Contains advanced reporting and queries, providing users the ability to edit standard reports or to generate their own custom reports. ARO also provides insight from 18 additional reports (28 total). These additional reports include: Best Practices, Chargeback Summaries, Files not being backed up, Large Duplicate Files, Trend Summaries (trending reports on storage usage patterns), and much, much more.

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