Determining the necessary data repository size involves evaluating the types of files to be stored, their individual sizes, and the anticipated quantity of each file type. For example, archiving 1,000 documents averaging 2 MB each requires a minimum of 2 GB of storage, not accounting for redundancy or future growth. This preliminary estimation forms the foundation for subsequent capacity planning.
Accurate assessment of these requirements prevents data loss due to insufficient capacity and avoids unnecessary expenditure on oversized systems. Historically, organizations have struggled with either over-provisioning, leading to wasted resources, or under-provisioning, resulting in data bottlenecks and potential operational disruptions. Careful calculation mitigates these risks and ensures optimal resource allocation.