Inhalt
Archive
Many experiments of the different faculties - like measurements or computer simulations - produce large amounts of data which have to be kept (archived) for the traceability of scientific statements.The archived data is stored a a tape. In contrast to the computer-based backup an archive provides storage of longtime- or project-based data. The storage of data in the archive does not happen automatically. The user stores a file and groups of files manually on demand. In contrast to the backup no files will be removed automatically during a predefined period of time.
Access to the archive server is available from inside the RWTH net (also by VPN) and also from inside the net of cooperating departments, so that the archive can be reached when visiting them as well.
The server system of backup and archive consists of high value components which make a system breakdown rather unlikely. Nevertheless there is no perfect protection against damage or external influences (like e.g. fire). To avoid these effects from harming the archive system the data is mutually mirrored in cooperation with the institute of applied mathematics at the Supercomputing Centre in Jülich, thus it is copied (in a not directly accessible form) on another system. There is not only a copy on another medium (which protects against tape damage), by spatial separation data loss by outside influences is nearly impossible.
The intention of the archive id the storage of data with direct reference to research and teaching. It is explicitely NOT intended for the storage of system files of a computer, they are more logically stored in the backup system. Furthermore it is NOT intended to be a long-time preservation in terms of the legitimate record retention periods.