Provided is a method, system and program for storing data for later
retrieval and for transfer within a storage hierarchy. A data storage
subsystem stores both individual user files and also managed files, each
managed file comprising an aggregation of multiple user files. After
receiving user files from a client station, the subsystem stores user
files in a retrieval storage pool to facilitate file retrieval. Criteria
are subsequently applied to the user files stored in the retrieval
storage pool to delete low or lower priority files from the retrieval
storage pool. In addition, user files are aggregated in managed files for
transfer to another location within the storage hierarchy.