What retention period is

A retention period is the time period after which Data ONTAP permits the deletion of a write once, read many (WORM) file on a SnapLock volume. It is the duration for which a file is retained in WORM state.

Regulatory environments require that records be retained for a long period. Every record committed to the WORM state on a SnapLock volume can have an individual retention period associated with it. Data ONTAP enforces retention of these records until the retention period ends. After the retention period is over, the records can be deleted but not modified. Data ONTAP does not automatically delete any record. All records must be deleted using an application or manually.

The retention period is calculated by using the volume ComplianceClock. You can extend the retention period of an existing WORM file to infinite, however, you cannot shorten the retention period.