Does anyone know of any existing software to aid in this task? We already offer backed-up data storage to our users, but no means of say arching original data sets for long term storage(NIH, etc rules). Something that could be user initiated, where they login into the archive server, tell it I want such and such files archives, and on its own it takes those files and gives them to a tape library(drive+robot). And then of course to be able to then find said files later and pull them out again.

Hello,

Bacula might be a good fit for your needs. I've also used arkeia network backup in the past, though it isn't very flexible with regards to bare-metal restores.

We use Bacula to backup to tape and it works great!

We use Amanda to backup to tape and it works great!

Actually, though, your request and requirements seem to need an organizational structure along with the backups to tape. If you allow many different users to push them to tape, that could get messy with tape usage efficiency. What I would do is provide shared space on the server which is specifically labeled for archival requirements. Maybe name a couple of shares after the regulations that they will meet. Then have directories with ownership and access for those people who need to put stuff there. On the server side, you would guarantee that data on those shares will meet those regulations. Then you make it so with whatever means necessary. You could have snapshots for immediate protection in place as well as a regular tape rotation and taking tapes out of rotation for archive.

By taking that approach, you put the responsibility for getting the data on the server with the person whose data it is. Then you manage the server. The whole arrangement would be more manageable.