Why you need an effective data lifecycle management strategy for Microsoft 365 and how to create one.
In the digital age, data is proliferating at an unprecedented rate, presenting organisations with both opportunities and challenges. Our recent webinar, “Keep or Delete? Effective Data Lifecycle Management – The Why and The How,” provided valuable insights into managing this deluge through strategic data lifecycle management.
Understanding the Importance of Data Lifecycle Management
Data lifecycle management (DLM) is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative. It encompasses the entire spectrum of data processes, from creation and storage to usage and eventual disposal. Effective DLM ensures that data is managed in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while optimising its value for business innovation.
The Drivers of Data Lifecycle Management
Several factors underscore the need for robust DLM practices:
- Cost: Unmanaged data can lead to spiralling storage costs.
- Risk: Data breaches and non-compliance can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.
- Regulation: Stringent data privacy laws necessitate careful data handling.
- Business Value: Properly managed data can be a source of significant business insights and innovation.
Crafting a Data Policy: The Foundation of DLM
A clear data policy is the cornerstone of effective DLM. It should articulate retention and deletion rules tailored to the organization’s needs, balancing legal, regulatory, and business considerations. This policy serves as a blueprint for managing data throughout its lifecycle.
Technological Enablement: Microsoft Purview at the Forefront
Implementing DLM policies requires robust technological solutions. Microsoft Purview stands out as a comprehensive suite for data governance and information security. It offers native capabilities for data classification, retention, deletion, and management, all within a unified framework.
Key Features of Microsoft Purview:
- Data Classification: Automatically identify and label sensitive data.
- Retention and Deletion: Enforce policies to retain or delete data based on predefined criteria.
- Automation and Intelligence: Streamline DLM with automation and AI-driven insights.
- Auditing: Maintain detailed records of data handling for compliance purposes.
The Benefits of Effective Data Lifecycle Management
Organisations that implement DLM can reap several benefits:
- Compliance: Stay aligned with data privacy regulations like GDPR.
- Cost Optimisation: Reduce data sprawl and associated storage costs.
- Data Quality: Enhance the accuracy and usefulness of business data.
- Innovation: Leverage well-managed data to drive business innovation.
Catch up on the webinar here:
A Call to Action for Data Stewardship
The webinar underscored the importance of adopting a risk-based approach to DLM, aligning it with the broader business strategy, and creating a roadmap for its implementation. As data continues to grow in volume and value, effective lifecycle management is not just a technical task—it’s a business imperative.
