Over the last few years, user data (also known as file data or unstructured data) has grown explosively. On most networks user data already accounts for 80% or more of the total storage requirements and Industry Analysts tell us it will continue to grow by 50% or more every year for years to come. Finding ways to moderate growth and manage this data effectively is now one of the Storage Industrys and ITs most important tasks. As a result, storage platform vendors are regularly introducing new technologies to help address this issue.
What people often miss in all the hype surrounding these new technologies is that there are very effective ways to control storage growth that have existed for years and that dont require rebuilding your current infrastructure or need new hardware platforms. Many companies have used these legacy techniques successfully for years.
The purpose of this White Paper is to highlight these methods and to explain their benefits and how you can profit from them.