SnapLock is an advanced storage solution that provides an alternative to traditional optical WORM (write-once-read-many) storage systems for non-rewritable data. SnapLock is a license-based, open-protocol feature that works with application software to administer non-rewritable storage of data.
SnapLock is available in two forms: SnapLock Compliance and SnapLock Enterprise.
Provides WORM protection of files while also restricting the storage administrator's ability to perform any operations that might modify or erase retained WORM records. SnapLock Compliance should be used in strictly regulated environments that require information to be retained for specified lengths of time, such as those governed by SEC Rule 17a-4.
Provides WORM protection of files, but uses a trusted administrator model of operation that allows the storage administrator to manage the system with fewer restrictions. For example, SnapLock Enterprise allows the administrator to perform operations, such as destroying SnapLock volumes, that might result in the loss of data.
Note
SnapLock Enterprise should not be used in strictly regulated environments.
WORM data resides on SnapLock volumes that are administered much like regular (non-WORM) volumes. SnapLock volumes operate in WORM mode and support standard file system semantics. Data on a SnapLock volume can be created and committed to WORM state by transitioning the data from a writable state to a read-only state.
Marking a currently writable file as read-only on a SnapLock volume commits the data as WORM. This commit process prevents the file from being altered or deleted by applications, users, or administrators.
Data that is committed to WORM state on a SnapLock volume is immutable and cannot be deleted before its retention date. The only exceptions are empty directories, and files that are not committed to a WORM state. Additionally, once directories are created, they cannot be renamed.
In Data ONTAP 7.0 and later versions, WORM files can be deleted after their retention dates. The retention date on a WORM file is set when the file is committed to WORM state, but it can be extended at any time. The retention period can never be shortened for any WORM file.
SnapLock functionality can be licensed as SnapLock Compliance or SnapLock Enterprise. These licenses are mutually exclusive, but can co-exist if enabled for different volumes and aggregates on a single storage system.
A SnapLock Compliance volume is recommended for strictly regulated environments. This license enables basic functionality and restricts administrative access to files.
A SnapLock Enterprise volume is recommended for less regulated environments. This license enables general functionality, and allows you to store and administer secure data.
Note
FlexVol volumes created within a licensed aggregate will inherit the license attributes specific to that aggregate.
If AutoSupport is enabled, the storage system sends AutoSupport messages to Technical Support. These messages include event and log-level descriptions. SnapLock volume state and options are included in AutoSupport output.
You can replicate SnapLock volumes to another storage system using the SnapMirror feature of Data ONTAP. If an original volume becomes disabled, SnapMirror ensures quick restoration of data. For more information about SnapMirror and SnapLock, see the Data Protection Online Backup and Recovery Guide.
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Part No. 210-01081_B0
File: snaploc2.htm
Last updated: 01-Dec-2005 16:36:23