FAQ

Do I need a server to run Moonwalk™?
How does Moonwalk™ migrate files?
How does Moonwalk™ retrieve migrated files?
How long does Moonwalk™ take to retrieve files?
What platforms does Moonwalk™ support?
What storage devices can I use with Moonwalk™?
How do I determine the policies I need Moonwalk™ to execute?
How can I test the policies I create before production deployment?
Can I use Moonwalk™ to reduce my Backup time?
What happens if I accidentally delete my stub files?

Do I need a server to run Moonwalk™?

The short answer is no. Moonwalk™ uses two discrete components, the Eagle Module and the Columbia Module. The Eagle can be installed on an administration PC and is used to run web services for policy configuration. The Columbia is a platform-resident technology that is installed on the servers you wish to manage.

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How does Moonwalk™ migrate files?

The process of Moonwalk™ file migration uses stubbing technology that streams data directly from the source file to the new location to store the file’s content. Moonwalk™ does not stage or store-and-forward any data, thus obviating the need for middleware.

The migrated file is truncated to a block in size (the stub) and the content is migrated to a newer destination. Moonwalk™ protects all file metadata ensuring seamless interoperability with existing file security and permissions.

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How does Moonwalk™ retrieve migrated files?

Once a file has been stubbed, it is now a reference to its content rather than a container for it. Should a migrated file be accessed, its content is transparently and automatically reconstituted into the original file and that file is restored.

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How long does Moonwalk™ take to retrieve files?

Moonwalk™ file retrieval will operate at the native speeds of your storage and network.

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What platforms does Moonwalk™ support?

Moonwalk™ can be installed on Windows, Netware, UNIX and Linux operating systems.

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What storage devices can I use with Moonwalk™?

Moonwalk™ can migrate files to any of the supported platforms mentioned as well as NFS, EMC Centera.

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How do I determine the policies I need Moonwalk™ to execute?

Moonwalk™ provides the ability to collect statistics on your file systems. This information clearly illustrates the best file candidates for migration. Typically attributes such as size, create data and last access date are used to test a file’s suitability for migration.

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How can I test the policies I create before production deployment?

Moonwalk™ provides a simulation capability that allows all Moonwalk™ policies to be tested. The Moonwalk™ simulation step will provide all the necessary information required to thoroughly test your policies for production readiness.

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Can I use Moonwalk™ to reduce my backup time?

Yes. By using Moonwalk™ to migrate older or lesser-used files, the volume of the daily backup will be reduced. As Moonwalk™ stub files are only a block in size, production file system volumes can be dramatically reduced, some by up to 90%. Whatever storage is released on the file system will be reduced from the backup.

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What happens if I accidentally delete my stub files?

Moonwalk™ has the unique ability to reverse engineer stub files. Moonwalk™ is provided with a DR Tool that allows for the interrogation of secondary storage and the recreation of stubs. This tool can also be used for stub moves and stub migrations.

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