Root element of a server configuration. This element contains the configuration for all the channels that belong to a specific server. The channel name is the identifier for a channel and must thus be unique within the whole archiving cluster. Decimation period of the decimation level (in seconds). The decimation period defines the interval between the samples that are generated for the decimation level. Retention period of the decimation level (in seconds). The samples stored for the decimation level are at least retained for the specified time. After this time has passed, they may be deleted automatically when new data is being added. A retention period of zero (the default) specifies that samples stored for the decimation level are supposed to be retained indefinitely. Retention period for raw samples (in seconds). The raw samples are at least retained for the specified time. After this time has passed, they may be deleted automatically when new data is being added. A retention period of zero (the default) specifies that raw samples are supposed to be retained indefinitely. Configuration for an archived channel. Each channel is identified by a name that must be unique within the whole archiving cluster. The channel's control-system type defines which control-system support is used for reading and writing samples for the channel. Each decimation level is identified by its decimation period and thus each decimation period can only be specified once within a channel configuration. Each control-system option is identified by its name and thus each name can only be specified once within a channel configuration. Configuration for raw samples. Raw samples are different from other decimation levels because they always exist, even if not configured explicitly. Consequently, the decimation period of raw samples cannot be configured and the special value zero is used to identify the decimation level for raw samples internally. Decimation level for the channel. For each decimation level, decimated samples are generated from the raw samples (or a decimation level with a smaller decimation period). The decimation period configures the spacing between those samples. Control-system option for the channel. The control-system options specified for a channel are passed to the channel's control-system support. The interpretation of option names and values is entirely up to the control-system support. Type of the control-system support. This string identifies the control-system support for the channel. After a channel has been created its control-system support cannot be changed any longer. Enables or disables archiving for the channel. If archiving is disabled for a channel, existing data can still be accessed and decimated samples are generated when a decimation level is added. However, new raw samples are only addedd if archiving is enabled for the channel. Name of the channel. The name identifies a channel within the archiving cluster and thus has to be unique within the whole cluster. The name is also passed to the channel's control-system support which uses it find the channel within the control-system. Name identifying the control-system option. The list of valid option names depends on the control-system support used for the channel. Each option can only be specified once for each channel. Value of the control-system option. The interpretation of the value is up to the control-system support used for the channel. If the value is not specified, it defaults to the empty string. It depends on the control-system support and option name whether such a value is considered valid.