Chapter 10
Managing Data Storage
In This Chapter
Identifying storage requirements
Examining data categories
Developing data storage policies
Protecting stored data
The foundation of networked services and enterprise resource architecture rests squarely on the storage and organization of data. You can find static digital content, compiled application files, and digital media of all types throughout the modern enterprise. Without planning for the acquisition, storage, organization, identification, maintenance, and retirement of enterprise data, organizations will be constantly burdened by cost, resource, and regulatory challenges in trying to manage this flood — a task very similar to attempting to hold back the sea with a whisk broom.
This chapter addresses storage technologies and strategies applicable to enterprise networks of all sizes. While smaller organizations may not need high-speed dedicated storage area networks (SANs), other factors, such as security and availability, affect smaller storage pools as well.
Determining Storage Requirements
Determining an organization’s requirements for data storage is critical to the enterprise architecture program. Not only must you determine how much storage is currently being used, but you must figure out whether it’s being used effectively and efficiently. In the early stages of a storage restructuring project, it isn’t unusual to find personal multimedia files, archived junk and spam e-mails, multiple copies of a file in different ...
