All the ILM key features rely on storing data in a compliant storage location but they require additional capabilities in regards to managing the retention of these records. Therefore ILM communicates with the storage layer using the BC-ILM2.0 interface instead of ArchiveLink. Through this interface SAP passes the specific retention settings per stored file on to the archive allowing the archive system then to control the time when a physical delete of a file is permitted. E.g. if a legal hold is placed on a certain object, that object is protected from destruction until the legal hold is lifted. This is also true for data from decommissioned systems. The KGS ContentServer4Storage was among the first SAP archive systems to be certified for BC-ILM2.0. It can accept and interpret ILM properties (such as the expiration date or destruction command) that it receives on the stored data in its hierarchy from the SAP system allowing it to then enforce those properties.

Its function is complemented by software or hardware CAS functionality which turns regular magnetic disk storage into compliant archiving solutions. KGS ContentServer4Storage intelligently bridges the gap between SAP business logic and its retention requirements, conveyed by SAP ILM, and the physically stored data objects in the secured storage location, protected against tampering but released for deletion when required and triggered by SAP ILM data deletion functionality. The combination of SAP ILM, KGS ContentServer4Storage, and a CAS storage device constitutes a complete ILM solution.