June 22, 2024 – A recent report from NetApp, a leading provider of enterprise data infrastructure solutions, has revealed a startling statistic: a staggering 70% to 80% of stored data in some companies remains unused. This significant finding highlights a considerable waste of resources in the realm of data storage.
Matt Watts, the Chief Technology Evangelist at NetApp, recently shared this insight with The Register, emphasizing that storage accounts for 15% to 20% of a data center’s power consumption. This revelation underscores the environmental and financial costs associated with maintaining unused data.
According to public information, NetApp provides data tools to prominent clients such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. The company released a report addressing the challenge of data waste last April, further illustrating its commitment to tackling this issue.
Initially, Watts reported that approximately 41% of stored data had never been accessed. However, he later revised this figure, indicating that the percentage of unused data in certain areas could be more than twice as high.
Most IT leaders agree that reducing unnecessary data can contribute to carbon emission reduction efforts. However, many companies face challenges in moving forward with such initiatives. The primary obstacles include limited time resources and the complexity of distinguishing between valuable and useless data.
In light of these findings, NetApp urges organizations to review their data storage practices and implement strategies to eliminate waste. By doing so, companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also improve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
