Companies must update protocols to accommodate the explosion of data, implement technologies that support a healthy data storage process, and apply data backup and recovery best practices.
Storage Environments
Understand your storage environment to maximize efficiencies and avoid data loss.
Corporate IT departments continue to implement complex, high-end software-defined storage (SDS) systems. While these storage methods are efficient and flexible in allowing companies to manage an influx of data, they also hold a potential for data loss if not set up or managed correctly. Many SDS systems are unique or proprietary to specific vendors, so ensuring all data is backed up properly is key. The combination of complexity and customization of SDS environments emphasizes how important it is for IT staff to know how and where data is categorized and stored. To optimize your SDS environment and reduce risks of data loss:
- Be prepared to invest time and resources when implementing an SDS infrastructure. It is an advanced system that must be properly set up to deliver benefits and efficiencies.
- Make sure the storage system is implemented by someone with SDS experience. If the appropriate person is not on-staff, consider hiring a third-party expert.
- Research storage hardware to confirm it is compatible with the SDS software. Certain SDS providers supply a list of compatible hardware; it's important to follow these recommendations to avoid problems.