Abstract: A storage management system that manages the storage and retrieval of digital files. The storage management system includes a plurality of storage devices that may be located in different time zones. The system also includes a processor that is configured to maneuver the digital files among the plurality of storage devices according to commands that are received from software programs that operate on the processor. In one embodiment, the system includes a retrieval control while in another embodiment a storage control is included. Either embodiment takes into account the different problems that are introduced when the plurality of storage devices are located in different time zones.