Within most companies when you hear the word "growth," it is often implies "success." But that thinking is not universal. To IT department staff, the word "growth" can have a more ominous meaning, especially when applied to data storage.

With the results of its recent survey on data growth, User Survey Analysis: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Data Center Infrastructure Through 2011, Gartner has confirmed what has long been assumed – maintaining data center infrastructures is incredibly challenging as volumes of data strain the often ill-equipped systems. 

According to the Gartner survey of large enterprises, 47 percent of respondents rank data growth among the top three challenges they face. And, within the next year, 62 percent of those surveyed plan to begin investing in, or increase the funding of, projects involving data archiving and other managed solutions.

With analysts estimating data growth at rates of 40 to 50 percent annually, these expected investments speak volumes.  While on one hand it is a good sign that companies are investing in solutions now, it is troubling on the other hand to see that some organizations may only just be starting the process; one that is certainly expected to be a long journey.

Then there is the challenge of balancing the immediate needs with preparing a long-term solution. One overarching issue is that many data center infrastructures are dated and sorely in need of refreshing. According to Gartner, "many data center managers were forced to defer infrastructure upgrades and extend technology refresh cycles in 2009 and, as a result, are now dealing with an aging infrastructure or, in some cases, product obsolescence."

That’s a lot to contend with as companies close out another tough economic year. Are there any TAWPI members who can share their experience of updating or maintaining their data management infrastructure?