Abstract: A method and system for migrating massive amounts of data in a secure and traceable fashion using a distributed storage system is described. Data shuttle storage devices moves large quantities of content from one source location to one or more target locations by first acting in local communication with the source location, then being physically moved to a location where a shuttle storage device may be in local communication with the target location. This migration does not compromise data accessibility, reliability, or security. Dynamic configurable policy-driven data placement specifies the number and location of multiple copies of each digital data object. Each digital data object replica remains traceable even as the hardware onto which it is stored is being relocated. The content remains accessible at any time.

Abstract: A system and method is described for managing data objects in a fixed-content storage system. Metadata is provided for each variable size packet and may include offset information, packet size data, reference content blocks, and the like. Using this information, intelligently decomposed objects, consolidated objects, differenced objects, and composite objects may be stored in the storage system. The data structure provided by these objects allows for the reduction of necessary storage resources and the total number of stored objects.

Abstract: A system and method is described for managing data objects in a fixed-content storage system. Metadata is provided for each variable size packet and may include offset information, packet size data, reference content blocks, and the like. Using this information, intelligently decomposed objects, consolidated objects, differenced objects, and composite objects may be stored in the storage system. The data structure provided by these objects allows for the reduction of necessary storage resources and the total number of stored objects.

Abstract: A system and method is described for managing data objects in a fixed-content storage system. Metadata is provided for each variable size packet and may include offset information, packet size data, reference content blocks, and the like. Using this information, intelligently decomposed objects, consolidated objects, differenced objects, and composite objects may be stored in the storage system. The data structure provided by these objects allows for the reduction of necessary storage resources and the total number of stored objects.

Abstract: A system and method for specifying the placement of and managing the placement of objects on a distributed networked grid. Some embodiments of the invention comprise a user interface for specifying rules for the placement of objects on the grid and an execution module that places objects on the grid based on the rules specified. Rules may comprise a matching criteria specification, which determines whether a rule applies to a particular object, and a placement specification, which directs the locations at which an object will be placed under the rule.

Abstract: This disclosure describes identification of fixed content objects in a distributed fixed content storage system. Unique object identifiers are assigned in a distributed object storage system which consists of a plurality of storage media interconnected over networks subject to disruptions. The object identifier assignment prevents object identifier collisions in a distributed non-connected system regardless of the numbers of objects being stored and ensures continued operation of the object storage system in the presence of network disruptions without requiring unique identifiers for entities performing allocations. Embodiments may be used within any system where there is a need for globally unique identifiers, and the allocation of the globally unique identifiers needs to occur in the absence of network connectivity. The globally unique identifiers may be transformed for security purposes.

Abstract: A system and method is described for managing data objects in a fixed-content storage system. Metadata is provided for each variable size packet and may include offset information, packet size data, reference content blocks, and the like. Using this information, intelligently decomposed objects, consolidated objects, differenced objects, and composite objects may be stored in the storage system. The data structure provided by these objects allows for the reduction of necessary storage resources and the total number of stored objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of the placement of immutable fixed-content objects in a distributed, multi-site, multi-tier non-volatile storage hierarchy consisting of a plurality of storage media connected together over networks of varying bandwidth where the computing, storage, and network resources are subject to failure. The disclosure provides for scalability, performance, and robustness by distributing the object placement management tasks amongst a plurality of computing resources and eliminating the need for global synchronization or locking amongst said computing resources.

Abstract: A content distribution system is provided to facilitate e-commerce transactions for products and services associated with distributed content. A content stream comprising content blocks, reference content blocks and floating reference content blocks uses metadata to identify products and services associated with content blocks. The metadata and floating reference content blocks are used to substitute dynamically selected content for content blocks based on profiles of user(s), the broadcast station, the advertisement spot defined in the stream and content available for substitution. A market server determines optimal matches to support content substitution, and performs brokerage and bidding functions among suppliers of products or services associated with content selected by users.

Abstract: A distribution network architecture resistant to component failure is provided for distributing streaming media which supports partial mesh and ring-based topologies. Data streams are provided to and transmitted from distribution router clusters employing a shared broadcast medium having one-to-many relationship between respective input distribution routers and output distribution routers. The shared broadcast medium can be a plurality of hubs configured to transmit packets and signaling on opposite, unidirectional paths.