SMB Email Archiving

I just bought a new filing cabinet to replace my old and failing cabinet. Now, I've got lots of space where I can throw all my old files. Trouble is, the files need to be organized more efficiently so I can find them when I need them. Somehow, the new cabinet isn't exactly having the desired effect I though it would.

I think this same approach is often found at work when businesses think about email archiving. I used to save all my emails into an archive file that would sit quietly down at the bottom of my Outlook pane. Doing this made me feel like I was being smart, staying well organized because all my correspondence was safe. Then, one day, my PC crashes, the archive file is no longer accessible (not to mention all my other non-networked files), and my little organizational system suddenly doesn't seem as mature as I thought it was.

The point I'm trying to make is, many small and medium sized businesses take the same approach to their storage and archiving processes. Buying an unmanaged NAS device, getting a license of some email backup solution but never bothering to implement a storage or archiving policy within their company, these are all examples of technology being present but ultimately serving no purpose without a clear policy that can be enforced. What is really surprising is that businesses will go out and buy filing cabinets all day long but never look at their electronic data the same way.

One day, I called my MSP and said, we really need a better way to archive and retrieve our email and files. Voila, today I'm secure in knowing that if my PC crashes I'll be able to get back all my sensitive data. All the MSPs reading this blog, do you take the time to consult with your clients about these types of issues? If not, you're missing out on a very valuable and bonding experience with your client.