As the world of business changes and evolves, so too must the way that we approach IT. For too long, there has been a disconnect between the two fields, with each side often working in isolation from the other. However, as businesses move towards cloud-based systems and away from traditional internal data centres, it is becoming increasingly important for IT and business to work together in order to maintain a competitive edge.

The gap between business and IT is growing wider, according to PwC's 6th Annual Digital IQ survey of nearly 1,500 business and technology executives. When asked if business and IT share an understanding of the corporate strategy, only 54% of respondents agreed, down from 60% last year. In fact, nearly one-quarter (24%) said there is little or no alignment between the two groups. There are a number of reasons for this disconnect, but one of the most important is the way that businesses have traditionally approached data. For many years, data has been seen as something that needs to be managed and controlled by IT, often in silos. This has led to a situation where business users don't always have access to the data they need, when they need it.

However, as the world of business changes and data becomes more important, it is becoming increasingly clear that this approach is no longer sustainable. In order to remain competitive, businesses need to be able to make use of all their data, not just the small fraction that IT has deemed important.

ARCHIVING TO STAY COMPETITIVE
This is where data archiving comes in. Data archiving is the process of storing data in a format that can be accessed and used by business users, while still maintaining control over it. This allows businesses to keep all their data, regardless of its age or importance, while still being able to make use of it when necessary.

There are many benefits of data archiving, but one of the most important is that it allows businesses to close the gap between IT and the business. By giving business users access to all of their data, regardless of where it is stored, businesses can reap the rewards of data archiving. In order to fully take advantage of data archiving, businesses need to ensure that their data is well managed. This means having a clear understanding of what data is important and where it is stored. It also means making sure that data is easily accessible by the people who need it.

By storing data in an accessible format, businesses can give users the ability to self-serve, meaning they can access the data they need without having to go through IT. This can help to improve communication and collaboration between the two groups, as well as reduce the workload for IT. But concerns around IT data archiving are common, with IT feeling the pressure of a business that has a reluctance to reduce their data footprint. As businesses move towards cloud-based systems, they often want to decommission their legacy systems and data centres. However, IT may be reluctant to do so, as these systems may be needed for compliance or audit purposes. This can lead to a stalemate between the two sides, with each unwilling to budge on their position.

In order to break this impasse, it is important for businesses to have a clear understanding of their data needs and requirements. This will help to ensure that the right data is being archived, and that IT are not being asked to archive data that is no longer needed. It is also important to consider the costs and benefits of data archiving, as this can help to justify the investment to both IT and business.

COMPLEX, BUT ESSENTIAL
Data archiving can also be a complex and technical process, but it is an essential part of any organisation's data management strategy. By closing the gap between business and IT, organisations can reap the rewards that data archiving can provide, including improved communication and collaboration, reduced storage costs, and easier access to data.

The value of archiving is clear. Archiving provides a way to decommission legacy systems and data centres while still maintaining compliance. Archiving can also help businesses save money on storage and maintenance costs, as well as reduce the risk of data loss. It can also help organisations keep their data safe and secure, making it less likely to be compromised in the event of a breach.

SECURITY IS KEY
Keeping data secure and compliant after being archived is a key concern for businesses. There are a number of steps that businesses can take to ensure that their data is secure, including encrypting data at rest and in transit, as well as ensuring that only authorised users have access to the data.

Businesses should also consider implementing security controls such as two-factor authentication and intrusion detection. Data archiving can also help businesses to meet their GDPR obligations. By storing data in an accessible format, businesses can give individuals the ability to access their data, as well as the right to have that data erased.

BESPOKE IS BEST
When it comes to data management, one size does not fit all. The type of data you have, how much data you have, and where it is stored will all dictate the best archiving solution for your business.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an archiving solution, including cost, performance, and security. The most important thing is to choose a solution that meets your specific needs. If you are unsure of what those needs are, talk to a data management expert who can help you to assess your requirements and find the right solution for your business.

More info: www.proceedgroup.com