Data Growth and Retention

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Unlike file and e-mail servers, database applications require multiple copies in the production system. There should be versions for training, QA, patch, test, and a possible stand-by copy for purposes of disaster recovery. As production in the database grows, so will all copies, as it will consume large storage quantities.
Also, the government and other regulatory bodies are pushing for data retention. Healthcare data for example, needs to range from 10 years of patient records up to permanent storage of data for deaths and births. Some banks also need to retain data for 5-7 years to make sure that there are proper operational and financial records of businesses. Without proper data management strategy, the company will carry a huge burden since failure to produce records is no longer considered as a defensible strategy in court litigations.