Cloud computing is getting a lot of attention in the media. Rightfully so: as Internet access bandwidth capacities go up, and the cost goes down, it’s tempting to consider just how many IT services can take advantage of this scalable approach to computing.

Applying the latest in cloud storage principles to the tedious task of data retention offers some tangible benefits: a reduction in capital expenditure on local storage, and of course the manpower to manage backups. And it can eliminate the ‘human error’ component of managing local data retention locally. But with a client’s critical data at risk, you need a bullet-proof strategy before you ditch those tape drives.

The strategy that we recommend for our VAR and MSP partners focuses on establishing a data lifecycle for their clients’ data. In this era of stringent regulatory compliance, many organizations must retain data well beyond the date at which it ceases to be operationally important. So we work with them to define a ‘data lifecycle’. This enables us to institute a process that identifies and migrates ‘legacy’ data from costly online storage to more cost-effective storage. And that’s where cloud-base storage offers a cost-effective solution.

The trick is understanding how to manage data through its lifecycle, as it ages from operationally critical, to legacy/stagnant, and finally to destruction. An automated tiered-storage backup approach can manage these lifecycle transitions, and satisfy the demands of healthcare, financial services and other highly regulated and data-intensive businesses.

VARs, MSPs and trusted IT advisors can create revenue opportunities with cloud-based online data protection services, including these new tiered-storage services. Adding online backup services to your line-up means you can offer your clients peace of mind with respect to their business continuity protection, while creating long-term relationships and multi-year annuity revenue streams for your business.

To learn more, sign up for our May 28 webinar with SMB Nation: LINK