Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining metadata for offline repositories in online databases for efficient access. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a metadata module configured to maintain metadata pertaining to one or more data record copies of a data record. At least one of the one or more data record copies is stored in an offline storage medium. The apparatus further comprises a query processor module configured to retrieve metadata pertaining to the one or more data record copies in accordance with the metadata stored in the metadata module.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for merging metadata on files in a backup storage. A query is received for information on files from a file system for a client node. A determination is made of metadata for files in a backup storage for the client node stored external to backup sets. At least one backup set in the backup storage for the client node is processed to determine metadata for files included in at least one backup set. The determined metadata for files in the backup storage and for files included in at least one backup set is merged to form merged metadata. The query is executed against the merged metadata to determine files whose metadata satisfies the query. Results including information from the merged metadata on the determined files are returned.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for managing retention of stored objects. A modification request is received with respect to a stored object. A determination is made as to whether a retention protection mechanism is set and a storage policy associated with the stored object is processed to determine whether the stored object has expired according to the storage policy in response to determining that the retention protection mechanism is set. The modification request is allowed to proceed in response to determining that the stored object has expired.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for managing retention of stored objects. A modification request is received with respect to a stored object. A determination is made as to whether a retention protection mechanism is set and a storage policy associated with the stored object is processed to determine whether the stored object has expired according to the storage policy in response to determining that the retention protection mechanism is set. The modification request is allowed to proceed in response to determining that the stored object has expired.