In: Computer Science
Data availability is a critical part of the IT infrastruture, but one that is not often given the attention it deserves. Should companies broadcast their availability metrics? Or at least publicize them?
Data availability means ensuring that the desired data is always available within the IT infrastructure of an organization when and where necessary. It is the degree to which databases or other information storage system records and report system transaction accurately. When the data needed is not available it is worse than useless. When the required data is unavailable the IT operations of the organizations go on halt. An unavailable data may cost company’s reputation, customer other than financial cost. These are the reasons why maintaining high level of data availability is important for an organization.
Declaring the availability metrics would help company to maintain high data availability. It also ensures that the stored data is not only available when required but also valid. The moment company publicize its data availability metrics, it helps and time bound associated employees. This not only reduces the failure but also help gain the customer satisfaction.
By declaring this company will have more robust data availability plan. A service level agreement (SLA) basically formalizes an organization’s availability objective’s and requirement.