Tiered storage is a way of managing data by assigning it to different types of storage devices/media depending on the current value that the underlying information provides. The efficient management of data recognizes that all information provides an intrinsic value from the time it’s created to the time it becomes obsolete and that this value changes over the information lifecycle.

The typical factor determining the value of information is how frequently you access it, however, policy-based rules can factor a number of other issues to determine information value. For example, old bank transactions, which might have a low value, could suddenly shift in value depending on special circumstances, such as a tax audit. This article discusses some pros, cons, and best practices for tiered storage..