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LSCOST04-BP01 Implement tiered storage strategies aligned with data access patterns and retention requirements - Life Sciences Lens
Implementation guidance

LSCOST04-BP01 Implement tiered storage strategies aligned with data access patterns and retention requirements

Design and implement a tiered storage architecture that matches storage costs to data value and access patterns while verifying adherence to retention requirements. Classify research data based on access frequency, regulatory requirements, and business value to determine appropriate storage tiers. Move infrequently accessed data to lower-cost storage while maintaining required accessibility and integrity controls.

Desired outcome: Tiered storage architecture that optimizes data lifecycle costs through strategic placement of research data across storage tiers based on access patterns and requirements, verifying regulatory adherence while minimizing storage expenses and maintaining seamless data accessibility throughout the research lifecycle.

Level of risk exposed if this best practice is not established: Medium

Implementation guidance

Tiered storage strategies optimize costs while maintaining adherence in life sciences data management. Categorize research data based on access patterns, regulatory requirements, and business value to determine appropriate storage tiers. Match storage solutions to data requirements, from frequently accessed data needing high performance to archival data requiring long-term retention. Consider regulations (GxP, HIPAA, GDPR) when designing storage tiers. Implement necessary controls for security, encryption, and audit trails. Automate data movement between tiers based on defined policies while verifying that data remains accessible and protected throughout its lifecycle.

Implementation steps

  1. Conduct a comprehensive inventory of research data. Classify each dataset based on its type, access frequency, value, and regulatory requirements.

  2. Evaluate available storage options and create 3-4 tiers based on performance needs and cost considerations. Document clear policies for each tier, including what type of data belongs in each.

  3. Create policies for moving data between tiers, and define triggers for these transitions. Verify that each policy complies with relevant regulatory requirements.

  4. Configure storage classes in your cloud environment and set up appropriate access controls and encryption. Implement automated lifecycle policies to manage data movement between tiers.

  5. Create procedures for initial data classification and storage. Establish processes for data retrieval and define clear roles and responsibilities for managing the tiered storage system.

  6. Thoroughly test data movement between tiers and validate that access controls and encryption are working as intended. Perform mock audits to check adherence to regulatory requirements.

  7. Train researchers and IT staff on the new storage strategy. Create comprehensive documentation of the tiered storage architecture, policies, and user guides for accessing data in different tiers.

  8. Implement monitoring for storage usage and costs. Regularly review access patterns and adjust tiering policies as needed to optimize performance and cost-efficiency.

  9. Perform quarterly reviews of storage usage and costs. Annually reassess the overall tiered storage strategy and update policies based on changing research needs and regulatory requirements.