Patent ID: 8102978

Claim:
A method, comprising: providing a remote data storage service to a subscriber, the remote data storage service comprising a network of shared, interconnected storage devices located in telecommunications central offices, the remote data storage service having a four layered framework comprising: a fourth layer comprising a network transport that interconnects a third layer of the framework, the third layer comprising a plurality of storage points of presence to communicate archival electronic data along the network of shared, interconnected storage devices, the plurality of storage points of presence interconnected via the network transport to communicate the archival electronic data along the network of shared, interconnected storage devices, a second layer comprising a storage operating system that facilitates monitoring and management of the remote data storage service from a storage network operating center, and a first layer comprising an application program; receiving a selection from the subscriber of a central office in which the archival electronic data will be stored; receiving the archival electronic data from the subscriber; storing the archival electronic data in a storage point of presence of the plurality of storage points of presence associated with the central office selected by the subscriber; and allowing the subscriber to manage the archival electronic data stored in the storage point of presence located within the central office.