This is the data that is constantly accessed and used and the enterprise operations cannot tolerate latency in this type of data. This is the reasons why experts advise to keep hot data within storage solutions that reduce latency. Compared to enterprise cloud storage solutions, local storages have optimized accessibility. This is because accessing data over a local network is faster as compared to accessing it from cloud storage using an Ethernet connection.

Examples of hot data include transactional data, patient information, daily expense sheets etc.

Cold Data

Cold data is accessed infrequently: once a month or once in 4 months or even once a year. In terms of latency, this data isn’t a high priority. This makes cloud services the better option for the backup and storage of this data type. This also implies that in a disaster recovery plan, cold data has low priority compared to hot data; as enterprise operations can continue without it.

Examples of cold data include monthly salary sheets, annual audit records, monthly project reports, emails etc.

Archival Data

Archival data is rarely accessed and is mostly kept due to compliance reasons or for future referencing. Enterprise operations can continue without this data therefore latency is not a concern for this data type. Enterprises focus on the cost implications of this data as opposed to latency of this data type.

Examples of archival data include outdated research material, audit reports of previous years etc.

Distributing Enterprise Data

Contrary to popular opinion, cold and archival data types makeup most of an enterprise’s data while hot data is comparatively less in size. Therefore, enterprises need to store and/or backup their cold and archival data in cost effective solutions to make the entire system cost effective.

Amazon Storage Tiers for the three data types

Amazon provides a number of solutions for storage and backup purposes. The three storage tiers that address the previously mentioned data types are as follows:

-          Standard Simple Storage Service (S3)/ Standard S3/ AWS (Amazon Web Services) S3.

-          S3-IA (Infrequent Access).

-          Amazon Glacier.

AWS S3

This storage tier facilitates hot data storage. It is designed with the high IOPS requirement of the data. The downside is that it tends to be expensive, depending on the workload. In comparison, this storage tier does reduce latency; however, not as much as local infrastructure.

Enterprises that rely on hot data from remote locations can utilize this storage tier effectively. While enterprises that use data within a building or location, can effectively employ local infrastructure for hot data storage to acquire reduced latency.

AWS S3-IA

The infrequent access tier balances high IOPS and storage costs effectively. Therefore, it is an ideal storage tier for cold data. When using this storage tier, enterprises will experience more latency therefore it’s recommended to use it only for cold data.

This storage tier is not for data that enterprises rely on for operational continuity. In comparison to local infrastructure, this cloud based storage tier is economical. As cold data makes up a good portion of enterprise data, enterprises can effectively reduce their total costs by moving this data to the cloud.

Amazon Glacier

Archival data makes up most of enterprise data, storing it on local infrastructure means unnecessary costs and consumption of additional resources. This is data that is rarely accessed and isn’t mission critical. Most enterprises retain this data due to compliance reasons or for future reference. Therefore, enterprises prefer a cost effective solution instead of a solution focused on reduced latency or high IOPS for this data type.

Amazon Glacier is a storage tier that is designed specifically for archival data. The focus of this storage tier, besides reliability, is to provide a cost effective solution. It comes highly recommended for enterprises with archival data storage requirements.

Conclusion

Enterprises require data storage solutions that improve productivity and contribute to overall cost efficiency. Amazon is a pioneer in cloud services. Amazon provides several solutions that are designed with enterprise data requirements in mind. By employing data analytics and understanding their data requirements, enterprises can utilize these storage tiers to add value to their data and effectively acquire storage. These storage solutions also have the potential to be integrated to enterprise backup and disaster recovery plans.