(from the Windows Administrator's Guide, page 75) Files on Disk as Sequential Volumes (FILE)
This device type allows you to create sequential volumes by creating files on disk storage. To the server, these files have the characteristics of a tape volume. Unless sharing with storage agents is specified, the FILE device type does not require you to define library or drive objects; only a device class is required. FILE volumes can also be useful when transferring data for purposes such as electronic vaulting or for taking advantage of relatively inexpensive disk storage devices. FILE volumes are a convenient way to use sequential access disk storage: --You do not need to explicitly define scratch volumes. The server can automatically acquire and define scratch FILE volumes as needed. --You can also create and format two or more private FILE volumes using a single command. The advantage of private volumes is that they can reduce disk fragmentation and maintenance overhead. --Using a single device class definition that specifies two or more directories, you can create large, FILE-type storage pools. Volumes are created in the directories you specify in the device class definition. For optimal performance, volumes should be associated with file systems. --When predetermined space-utilization thresholds have been exceeded, space trigger functionality can automatically allocate space for private volumes in FILE-type storage pools. -- Mark Stapleton ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Office 262.521.5627
