Data transfer
You may transfer data between DSS without MultiStore. You just need SnapMirror® technology. However, this will require certain downtime in work of the services, and editing user access control lists (ACL).
MultiStore resolves these issues, as information about the users, groups and lists (ACL) is stored in vFiler section, which is restored in a store to a ready-to-use version.
Emergency Recovery
MultiStore may also activate automatic emergency recovery. In this case IP domains are transferred together with each instance of vFiler section.
SnapMirror reproduces vFiler sections, with each back-up version synchronized with the initial versions. In case of a malfunction, the administrator switches to vFiler back-up section with one click. The cutover is instantaneous and barely affects the client. As soon as the problem is fixed, vFiler sections on the emergency site are resynchronized in the source.
File Service Consolidation
File service consolidation is the most widely used function of MultiStore. As a rule, each unit of the company has its own file server. Combining several file servers into a major one would make it easier to use. However, not all units are ready to give back control over the management.
Using MultiStore, units keep administrative control over their file server, whereas all file servers of the company are consolidated using vFiler section, acquiring all positive features of consolidation.