Importance of data

Businesses are witnessing an explosion in the volume of data. Whether it is the result of the Internet, e-mail or increasingly heavy and media rich application software, there seems to be a sudden spurt in the volume of data all around. Conservative estimates from IDC place data growth at approximately 120% per year. Surely, even the SOHO segment now feels the importance of data, as they have become increasingly dependent on the computer. Let alone big companies, even Doctors, Chartered accountants, Architects, Consultants, Lawyers, Institutes, Graphic designers, all have important documents stored in their computers.

Who can say that they have never lost valuable data due to a disk crash, a virus, or by accidentally deleting a file or folder? In today's businesses, but also at home, data is present and growing continuously. At the same time, our dependence on data is increasing. Imagine what happens when you can't access your files any more, or have lost a few days of e-mail communication?

Runaway growth in data volumes and dependency could spell disaster, if left unattended. Because Disasters don't forewarn, they just strike.

"I have never been in an accident of any sort worth speaking about. I never saw a wreck and have never been wrecked, nor was I ever in any predicament that threatened to end in disaster of any sort."

E.J. Smith, Captain Titanic

( 1 April 1912 , Eleven days before the Titanic sank)