Managing subordinate storage operation pod cells using a global repository cell or master storage operation cell

A computer-implemented method for using cloud-based storage interposed between a master storage operation cell and one or more subordinate storage operation cells to exchange information, the method comprising:

• by a first subordinate storage operation cell managed comprising a first storage manager and a first media agent, using the first media agent to export first metadata and a copy of data from the first subordinate storage operation cell to a cloud-based storage component, wherein the first metadata and the copy of data were generated in the first subordinate storage operation cell;
• wherein the cloud-based storage component is interposed between the first subordinate storage operation cell and a master storage operation cell, and
• wherein the master storage operation cell lacks a network connection to the first subordinate storage operation cell, and
• wherein the master storage operation cell comprises a master storage manager that is distinct from the first storage manager and further comprises a second media agent that is distinct from the first media agent;
• by the master storage operation cell, using the second media agent to import the first metadata and the first copy of data from the cloud-based storage component into the master storage operation cell,
• wherein the second media agent lacks a network connection to the first media agent of the first subordinate storage operation cell;
• by the master storage operation cell, using the second media agent to restore the first copy of data at the master storage operation cell;
• and
• wherein each of the first storage manager, the first media agent, the master storage manager, and the second media agent executes on a respective computing device comprising one or more hardware processors and computer memory.