Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for establishing and managing document retention policy in a distributed computing environment. One embodiment comprises the steps of loading documents into a database as individual components or items; establishing a custodian for each document instance; categorizing its content into a plurality of categories; assigning retention periods to the content by category; and continuously monitoring retention policies according to the assigned retention periods. Any database capable of storing de-duplicated data can be adapted to implement embodiments of the invention. One embodiment utilizes codified algorithms to cross-match one or more retention policies with each document instance in the system based on the role of the custodian held at the time the instance was created and retained and/or the content or category of the content to which the document refers. If multiple policies apply, the retention period is set to the furthest in the future.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for detecting wrong storage media in data recovery processes. One embodiment can detect incorrect media via environmental factors such as source data type and format. One embodiment can detect incongruous media by pool membership. One embodiment can detect inappropriate media by comparing fingerprints. As each item is read, its fingerprint is calculated and compared to the overall fingerprint of a job. If the new fingerprint is different by some preset margin, a human inspector may be asked to validate the newly inserted storage medium. If valid, the overall signature for the job is revised to integrate the new signature. If not, the wrong medium is ejected and incorrectly loaded data is removed. Embodiments disclosed herein can detect the presence of a wrong medium quickly and early in a data recovery process, avoiding mistakes and saving time and costs.

Abstract: A sensor-based network hosted on a distributed computing platform and associated method are disclosed. The distributed computing platform takes advantage of unused capabilities of internet, intranet, wireless or otherwise network connected client systems, such as personal computers, internet appliances, notebook computers, server systems, storage devices or any other connected computing device. One capability for many of these devices is the ability to provide the infrastructure support for sensors, such as power, communication services, recording, data logging services and other supporting services that would allow the sensor to gather data and provide and/or communicate that data in a useful and timely manner. Such sensors can interface to these devices using a variety of communication techniques, and these sensors can be a single set or multiple sets of sensor devices associated with each device.