As the world becomes increasingly data-centric, organizations are amassing unprecedented volumes of information. According to recent research by Hitachi Vantara, large enterprises currently manage an average of 35 petabytes (PB) of data—an amount expected to nearly double to 65 PB by 2025.
This growing wave of data is generating intense challenges around scalability, security, and sustainability, with 75% of IT leaders expressing concern that their current infrastructure may struggle to meet future needs.
For IT solution providers, the key to managing this flood of data lies in balancing three crucial needs: scalability, sustainability, and security. Here’s a quick look at each of those areas with some recommendations from Hitachi Vantara’s research Modern Data Infrastructure Dynamics, on how to prepare data infrastructure for the demands of the coming decade.
1. Scalability: Building a Flexible Data Infrastructure
Modern data infrastructure must be able to scale dynamically to accommodate increasing storage needs. Traditional solutions are often rigid, requiring costly upgrades to handle additional data. But as organizations are discovering, simply adding more racks or servers without considering resource efficiency is unsustainable. According to Hitachi Vantara’s findings, 71% of decision-makers worry their current systems lack the flexibility to adjust to evolving demands.
Hybrid cloud solutions are emerging as a viable path forward, providing the agility to scale storage capacity in alignment with operational needs. These solutions allow organizations to prioritize between resilience, availability, and performance while maintaining control over storage costs. By investing in flexible storage models, businesses can future-proof their infrastructure against the unpredictability of data growth.
2. Sustainability: Addressing Dark Data
Data centers globally contribute up to 3.7% of total greenhouse gas emissions, consuming vast amounts of energy and water. In response, organizations are under pressure to adopt more sustainable infrastructure practices. IT teams can reduce their environmental footprint by optimizing data storage, especially by addressing "dark data"—information that is stored but rarely accessed or used.
Nearly 50% of data stored by large organizations falls under this category, presenting an opportunity to cut down on storage costs and energy consumption. By eliminating unneeded data and implementing energy-efficient storage systems, organizations can contribute to a more sustainable environment and potentially reduce operating expenses.
3. Security: Protecting Physical and Virtual Storage Environments
As data complexity grows, so do security challenges. IT leaders consider data to be their organization’s most valuable asset, ranking it above even intellectual property. However, with sensitive data comes the responsibility to ensure robust security measures. In Hitachi Vantara’s study, a third of respondents cited improved data security as a competitive advantage.
To protect against data breaches, organizations need infrastructure that supports stringent security controls from the ground up. This includes encryption, automated backup, and resilient recovery systems that secure data across both physical and virtual storage environments. Addressing these security needs comprehensively can not only prevent data loss but also boost customer trust and confidence.
Managing the Data Deluge
The data-driven decade ahead will bring unprecedented challenges for solution providers and IT leaders. Organizations that build infrastructure designed to scale, remain secure, and minimize environmental impact will be well-positioned to turn data into a competitive asset.
By adopting modern solutions—such as hybrid cloud for flexibility, eco-friendly storage for sustainability, and proactive security measures—solution providers can help organizations manage the data deluge effectively. In doing so, they can navigate the complexities of this new era, leveraging data to drive innovation and long-term success.
Read Hitachi Vantara’s full research report, Modern Data Infrastructure Dynamics.
Image Credit: Hitachi Vantara Modern Data Infrastructure Dynamics Report