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: 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 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: 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 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.