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Information becomes more valuable or less valuable over time. Events can alter the value of information as well. Generally, as information gets older, it becomes less applicable to the current situation and less valuable unless updated. Passage of time is a change state, because time is a factor in state. Data protection and storage resources need to change as the value of the information changes over time (Figure 8-5). Figure 8-5. A lifecycle based on value over timeTake the case of the customer service e-mail. When an e-mail that contains an order is first received, it is very valuable. It represents potential revenue that must be protected. Loss of that e-mail means a loss of revenue. A second e-mail, which contains a note of thanks, may have some value from a quality-assurance or marketing perspective. It is not, however, nearly as valuable as the order e-mail. As time goes on and the order is processed, it is still quite important and valuable. Loss of this information may mean that it will be impossible to complete the order in a timely fashion. When the order is fulfilled, however, the value of the e-mail begins to drop. It may be needed to answer questions of the customer or provide historical reports, but the revenue is already realized. After a while, if the customer hasn't called to complain, it is unlikely that she will. The source e-mail has already had the important information extracted from it for purposes of business intelligence. The original e-mail has practically no value. As information, it has degraded to the point of being valueless. Each change in the value of the information, from high to moderate to none, represents a change of state that could trigger actions. It would be reasonable to move the e-mail to less expensive storage at each change in value. Eventually, when the e-mail has no value, it can be destroyed. |
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