NetApp Qtrees

A NetApp qtree is a directory with special properties.  Originally, the "Q" is the quota and also know as the “quota-tree”.  Quota-tree can be used to set a quota on a particular directory.

Nowadays, we have FlexVols in NetApp, which also can be quota-limited.  In addition to a quota, a qtree possesses a few other properties.

A qtree enables you to apply attributes such as oplocks and security style to a subset of files and directories rather than to an entire volume.
Single files can be moved across a qtree without moving the data blocks. Directories cannot be moved across a qtree. However, since most clients use recursion to move the children of directories, the actual observed behavior is that directories are copied and files are then moved. Security style & oplocks settings can be different than rest of volume.

The following describes the replication relationship to qtress:

SnapMirror 
- Whole volumes OR qtrees can be replicated

SnapVault 
- Only qtrees can be replicated

OSSV (Open Systems SnapVault)
- Only directories can be replicated to qtrees