ABSTRACT
Structure DataAdd structure and intelligence to data, and reduce unstructured data. Know when data is created, when it was edited, when it was read, who created it, and whether there are legal associations to the data. Cloud storage systems exist that accomplish this while complying with data retention regulations. Data management retention policies, such as limits on e-mail inbox sizes, file/folder aging retention policies, archival, and retrieval policies will make the transition of selective applications to cloud easier to implement. Start with an in-house migration project: Identify aging hardware in need of retirement, preferably running low-impact or low-risk content. Migrate that information and associated application off old hardware onto shiny new servers and storage. Document the steps very thoroughly, add step-by-step checking to confirm each step is successfully completed, and add a checklist for final acceptance and cut-over.
