1. A system for storing multiple instances of a data object in a data storage network, wherein the data storage network includes at least two different hierarchical tiers of data storage devices coupled via a computer network, and wherein the computer network also couples to a computing device storing a primary copy of data that includes a first set of N number of the same data objects, the system comprising: multiple data storage devices, wherein each of the multiple storage devices is distinct from, and coupled via the computer network to, the computing device, wherein at least two of the multiple storage devices are arranged into two different hierarchical tiers; a variable instance database configured to store information associated with secondary copies of data that includes a second set of reduced instanced data objects, wherein the information includes, for each of the reduced instanced data objects of the second set: a substantially unique identifier generated for the reduced instanced data object, and a number of instances to store for the reduced instanced data object, wherein at least one of the reduced instanced data objects of the second set has multiple instances stored among the multiple storage devices; a secondary storage computing device configured to: receive an indication to perform a storage operation on the primary copy of data, including the first set of N number of the same data objects, where N is a number greater than 3, wherein the indication specifies that fewer than N instances but greater than one instance of the N number of data objects of the first set are to be stored, and wherein each of the data objects of the first set are to be stored on a distinct one of the multiple storage devices; generate a substantially unique identifier for each of the N number of data objects of the first set; access the variable instance database and for the N number of data objects of the first set, use the generated substantially unique identifier to determine the fewer than N instances but greater than one instance to store for the N number of data objects; and for each one of the N number of data objects of the first set, perform the storage operation on the one data object, wherein performing the storage operation includes storing the fewer than N instances but greater than one instance of the data object on the multiple storage devices.