Tackling data complexity with data classification
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Cecile Kellam
Data is everywhere, and it’s only increasing. From customer records to operational logs, modern businesses generate mountains of data every single day. For storage administrators, infrastructure engineers, and infrastructure leaders, managing this flood of information is no small feat. Add to that the complexity of regulatory requirements, governance policies, and growing security concerns, and it’s clear—today’s data management challenges are immense.
But here's the good news. There's a solution that simplifies this chaos, optimizes efficiency, and improves compliance: data classification.
Whether you're managing data across a hybrid cloud environment or on-prem infrastructure, data classification is key to turning complexity into clarity. And with tools like BlueXP™ Classification, this task becomes easier, smarter, and more impactful.
Here’s how data classification can transform your workflows—and how to get started.
What is data classification, and why does it matter?
At its core, data classification is the practice of organizing your data into categories or labels based on its type, value, or sensitivity. This process allows businesses to identify what data they have, understand where it lives, and prioritize how it should be stored, used, or protected. But make no mistake—this isn’t just about tidy file systems. Proper data classification empowers enterprises to meet regulatory requirements, reduce operational risks, and optimize storage resources.
For infrastructure leaders and storage admins, the chaos of unmanaged data isn’t just tedious—it’s risky. Without classification, sensitive data might end up in insecure locations, redundant files can waste storage space, and costly compliance violations might go unnoticed.
Here’s what you gain with data classification in place:
- Improved compliance: Meet regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA with confidence.
- Data security: Identify sensitive files and ensure they’re adequately protected.
- Operational efficiency: Eliminate redundant or unnecessary data that clogs up storage systems.
- Cost savings: Prioritize high-speed storage for critical data while relegating less-valuable files to more cost-effective systems.
How does data classification address complexity?
Managing data across multiple storage systems and platforms can feel like trying to untangle a ball of yarn. This is where data classification shines—it brings structure to the chaos.
Centralized visibility and insights
Data stored in silos—across on-prem systems, cloud environments, or even edge devices—creates blind spots. By implementing a robust classification system, you’ll gain a centralized view of all your data.
Take BlueXP™ Classification as an example. It scans, categorizes, and organizes data across your entire infrastructure, no matter the complexity. Its centralized dashboard provides actionable insights into where data resides and what it contains.
Automation at scale
Manually sorting through terabytes of data? Not exactly scalable. Data classification tools powered by advanced AI and machine learning take the manual effort out of the process.
With BlueXP™ Classification, automation runs the show. It rapidly identifies sensitive information (like PII or financial records) and flags potential compliance vulnerabilities—all without requiring dedicated teams to sift through every file.
Better decision-making
Data is only valuable when it’s actionable. Through classification, key stakeholders—from IT teams to department heads—can understand the context behind their data and make informed decisions about:
-How to allocate storage efficiently.
-Where to increase security measures.
-Which data is most valuable to keep in high-performance environments.
Enhanced security
Threat surfaces expand as data sprawls. Cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities, and sensitive data stored in the wrong place can be an easy target. Data classification identifies where sensitive data sits, ensuring it's safeguarded with proper encryption and access control measures.
Simplicity makes for better decisions
Data complexity doesn’t have to be a roadblock. With strategic data classification, you can transform even the most disorganized storage environments into streamlined, efficient systems that reduce risk and uncover opportunities.
Explore BlueXP™ Classification to see how classification can help you tackle data complexity and build true cyber resilience.
Cecile Kellam
Cecile is a technical solutions specialist supporting NetApp Public Sector customers on their data-centric workload challenges and goals. Before moving into the TSS role, Cecile spent 5 years at NetApp supporting the cloud portfolio. She is a NetApp A-Team technical advisor, a customer advocate on the NetApp Technical Advisory Board, and a NetApp Women in Tech Steering Committee member.
