Patent ID: 8024354
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for managing data using a hierarchical metadata management system (HMMS), the method comprising: storing each pointer of at least one pointer in a metadata object wherein said metadata object corresponds to an attribute being exhibited by a unique file to which each said pointer corresponds, each said pointer residing in a first repository, each said unique file residing in a second repository, each said metadata object residing in third repository, said storing being performed by said HMMS; after said storing, deleting each said pointer from said first repository, said deleting being performed by said HMMS; receiving from said first repository an event indicating both a unique file and a pointer corresponding to said unique file no longer resides in said first repository, said event being generated by said first repository in response to a request for said unique file, said event being received by said HMMS; after said receiving, searching for said pointer in each said metadata object residing in said third repository, said searching being performed by said HMMS; after said searching and having located said pointer in a metadata object residing in said third repository, restoring said pointer to said first repository, said restoring being performed by said HMMS; and after said restoring, notifying a hierarchical storage management system (HSM) that said pointer currently resides in said first repository thus allowing said HSM to retrieve said unique file corresponding to said pointer from said second repository.