1. A file server, said file server disposed for recording and retrieving each one of a set of files in one of a plurality of data storage and retrieval models; each one of said data storage and retrieval models disposed for including metadata with at least some of said files; said file server including a backup element disposed for preserving said metadata for retrieval associated with said files even when said files are recorded by said backup element in one of said data storage and retrieval models other than associated with said files.