For most users, the need for storage arises when databases get too large and transferring it to a dedicated storage box can free up resources for better application performance, such as email archiving, for example.

With several factors, among them compliance to industry standards like Sarbanes-Oxley that requires organizations to store digital information, Cruz said it's only now most local companies are beginning to understand ILM better.

HP defines ILM as 'a means to capture, manage, retain and deliver information access according to relevance,' said Bart Davidoff, HP's ILM business development manager for Southeast Asia.