Understanding the dynamics of information management costs

As data volumes rise and retention periods increase, the appearance of "better, faster and cheaper" storage infrastructure seems like an all-encompassing solution to control IT manager's burgeoning storage costs. In this paper, we examine four dynamic forces that together shape storage costs. By layering these costs over a three-tiered model of storage infrastructure, we identify how IT managers can decide whether to target cost savings at lower tiers, or service quality and reliability at higher tiers of service. We conclude by advocating the adoption of company-wide storage strategies that specify how purchasing decisions should be made and what issues within the storage environment will trigger those decisions.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: CACM
• Authors: Paul P. Tallon
• Keywords: CACM 2010, Data Volumes, Storage Costs, Storage Infrastructure