Abstract: A multi-tiered data management system utilizes vertical storage tiers, each with one or more horizontal data storage elements, to provide a dynamic and configurable system for managing the storing, archiving and retrieval of data. The system provides an ability to automatically copy data in parallel to multiple types of storage systems horizontally within a tier and vertically between tiers transparently from the host system or user perspective. Users may decide how many backend systems would be utilized and managed, and provide information to define rules or policies for the movement of data into, and among, and from the backend systems and tiers of storage devices. Data is managed by these set policies and determines how long the data will stay in each medium, be migrated between mediums, and otherwise managed. When a user retrieves data, the present system determines which data storage source would best suit the user's request.