1. A method in a data storage system of storing a variable number of instances of data objects, wherein the method is performed by a computing system having a processor and memory, the method comprising: accessing a set of data objects stored in a first set of one or more data stores, wherein the set of data objects includes multiple data objects that are substantially similar, and wherein the multiple data objects that are substantially similar includes a number N data objects; analyzing a storage policy; determining, by the computing system, a number X of instances of a first data object of the multiple data objects that are substantially similar that should be stored in a second set of one or more data stores, wherein determining the number X of instances of the first data object is based on the storage policy; wherein X is greater than one and less than N and N is greater than two, and wherein the first and second sets of data stores are distinct from each other; adjusting the number X of instances of the first data object, wherein adjusting the number X includes: determining a characteristic or priority of the first data object, wherein the characteristic or priority is based on at least two of: an owner of the first data object; a content of the first data object; an association of the first data object with an organization unit; a security descriptor of the first data object; and the number N of data objects included in multiple data objects; and based at least in part on the determined characteristic or priority of the first data object, increasing or decreasing the number X of instances of the first data object of the multiple data objects that should be stored in the second set of one or more data stores; determining a number Y of instances of the first data object that are stored in the second set of one or more data stores, wherein Y is greater than or equal to zero; determining if the adjusted number X is greater than Y; and when the adjusted number X is greater than Y, storing a number Z of instances of the first data object in the second set of one or more data stores, wherein Z is equal to the adjusted number X minus Y.