"This change in data profiling requires new management policies based on the value of data. It also points to the need for a universal, standard classification data scheme (a policy engine) to emerge. In the past, businesses didn't pay too much attention to understanding or managing the data lifecycle.

"Since 2001, compliance requirements have changed much of the thinking regarding how long data should be managed and protected. As a result, compliance has become a catalyst for many ILM initiatives. With the exception of spam, businesses are saving more digital data for a longer time than ever before.

"Therefore, most of the storage providers are using ILM and compliance messages in their marketing efforts. In most cases, however, the implementation challenge is often more difficult than expected."