Multi-Layer Encoding for Distributed Container-Based Storage of Smaller Data Objects

An object is divided into SD1 first-level pieces. Each first-level piece is stored in a first-level container on a first-level storage entity. A redundant encoding of the first-level containers is stored in RL1 additional first-level containers on RL1 additional first-level storage entities. On each of the first-level storage entities, the locally-stored first-level container is divided into SD2 local second-level pieces. Each second-level piece is stored in a second-level container on a second-level storage entity of the specific first-level storage entity. Each first-level storage entities contains SD2 plus RL2 second-level storage entities. A redundant encoding of the second-level containers is stored in RL2 additional second-level containers on RL2 additional second-level storage entities. The stored object is retrievable where any specific RL1 ones of the first level storage entities are not available, and any specific RL2 ones of the second-level storage entities of each remaining first-level storage entity are not available.