1. A method for execution by a processing module in a distributed storage (DS) unit, the method comprising: identifying data that is stored within local redundant array of independent disks (RAID) memory as a set of RAID data blocks and corresponding RAID parity blocks, wherein the local RAID memory is located within local proximity to the DS unit; partitioning the data into plurality of data segments; dispersed error encoding a data segment of the plurality of data segments to generate a plurality of error coded (EC) data slices; and storing the plurality of EC data slices among local dispersed storage network (DSN) memory that is located within the local proximity to the DS unit and remote DSN memory that is located outside of the local proximity to the DS unit.