Tips on Data Storage

Most small businesses are able to go about their day-to-day tasks without having to really worry about the data that they are accumulating. A personal computer is typically enough to handle the data that you are going to typically throw at it, but what happens when you are a larger company that continues to accumulate data at an increasing rate? If that is the case, you are going to need to be concerned about data storage, as it can become a real issue. Here are a few tips that can help you with storing the data that is necessary to ensure that it is not only safe, but that it is available when needed.

The most important thing for you to consider is the organization of the data that you are storing. In a larger storage array, you may have what is known as storage virtualization, a way to virtualize the space so that it is going to be more effective at not only storing information but at retrieving it when necessary. Any storage system, however, is going to be somewhat complex, and it is going to be difficult for you to remain organized throughout the entire process. Perhaps the most important thing that you can do is to ensure that you are using a file structure that is simple and keep things simple, even if you continue to accumulate data regularly.

The backups of your storage is also something that you are going to need to consider as well. It does not matter if you are storing data in your local area, or if you are going to be storing it in the cloud, you need to ensure that it is being backed up in case some type of cataclysmic failure occurs. More important than a simple backup is to make sure that it is backed up offsite so that any serious problems that occur in the area are not going to compromise all of the data. A data loss is something that can severely undermine your business and can easily cause you to lose your business, if it occurs.

Make sure that you are up to date on any problems that are occurring within the storage array. For example, if you notice that one of the servers is making some type of strange noise, be quick to repair the problem, or at the very least, to locate the problem so that it can be sorted out as quickly as possible. If there is any kind of a question as to whether you have a computer virus, it is important for you to detach that drive from the server until you are able to have it checked properly.

Finally, make sure that you are continuing to provide the necessary maintenance to your server so that the storage is going to continue to work in your favor. Schedule the necessary tasks, such as defragmentation and sorting the information, so that it is easy to recover, if you should never have a need in the event of a failure.

When there's a discussion about data storage, the author of this article knows it all. From a storage array to storage virtualization, she has been there and done that. Living in the bay area, she has helped launch a number of successful startups and took care of their storage needs. In her free time he enjoys hanging out with her family and trying different food from around the world.