iRODS is extremely flexible data grid middleware for managing huge amounts of files and other unstructured data. iRODS provides a data virtualization layer that makes data available in a single namespace, even if it is spread over local and remote storage devices, whether the storage is file- or block-based. On top of the data virtualization layer, iRODS provides a metadata catalog that contains system metadata and user-defined metadata. In addition, iRODS provides a rule engine that can trigger any action upon any condition, allowing you to easily implement tiered storage data retention, and access control policies. And iRODS provides a secure collaboration capability that allows users to share data between independently-managed Zones, so users can access data from a consistent platform, but administrators do not need to compromise on policy.

This is a minimal iRODS installation, with the Cloud Browser graphical web interface and WebDAV, for demonstration purposes. This image may be expanded to create a cloud-based data storage environment.