What do you need from your Big Data Solutions ?

Whatever your Big Data plans, whether you are adding another data storage solution or developing a custom system, answering the right value versus questions can be difficult. And, when you are delving into a relatively new or unknown (to you) technology, you need to know what features will make the most difference to you and your business. Remember, it’s important to have your company remain up to date with new advancements in technology offered in their industry. If you fall behind, you risk having competitor’s gain ground on you. As the CEO of a company I understand the importance of utilizing and understanding big data within my industry. Here are a few things to consider:

Auto-replication

If you are already storing your data on multiple servers, good on you. However, that’s just one step you should take. For the next step in data protection and performance, consider automatic replication. In this process, you can replicate your data across a network at various locations. Thus, if one location is compromised for any reason, you still have that data stored and accessible. Sure, you can do this manually if you want to invest that time. But auto-replication allows users to decide exactly when – and how much – data you want replicated as well as the intervals at which you wish the replication to happen.

Snapshots

Backups can be a productivity drain. They can slow down your network and dramatically decrease the speed at which your systems perform. However, anyone, who has ever lost data, can tell you that backups are a vital necessity. So where’s the happy medium between plodding networks and vanishing data? One word: snapshots. This technology makes it possible to quickly backup and, when necessary, restore, massive amounts of data without significantly slowing your network speed. As a bonus, snapshots can help you increase your data security and access stored data faster.

Tiering

Do not store all of your data – or replicated data – on the same sort of drive. If some of your data will not be used or accessed very often, you can save a ton of cash by varying the type of storage you choose. Better, faster and more easily accessed storage has a higher price tag. Slower, less user-friendly storage options may serve the purpose perfectly well and put more cash back in your pocket.

Again, these are not checklist items; these are options to consider BEFORE investing in data storage. Any or all – or just some – of these may be right for you. But, whatever you decide, it is up to you.