Storage management STMG

(modified)

Provisioning, configuring, and optimising on-premises and cloud-based storage solutions, ensuring data availability, security, and alignment with business objectives.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Moving to SFIA 9

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.

Updated description and guidance notes for contemporary working practices including cloud-based storage solutions
Level 3 descriptor improved
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles
SFIA 8 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change

Guidance notes

(modified)

Storage management encompasses managing various storage solutions, local or external storage such as direct access storage (DAS), network access storage (NAS), storage area networks (SAN) and cloud-based storage.

It involves technologies and processes such as, but are not limited to, virtualisation, replication, mirroring, security, compression, performance monitoring, automation and storage provisioning.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

backup, archiving and recovery of data
monitoring and optimising storage performance and capacity
resolving potential and actual storage-related issues
developing and maintaining tools and procedures for storage troubleshooting and analysis
evaluating, provisioning, and testing new storage solutions, including cloud-based storage
managing storage in hybrid and multi-cloud environments
investigating emerging technologies for storage management
ensuring compliance with regulatory and security requirements
addressing business goals based on information value, data classification, recovery point and recovery time objectives.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Storage management: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

(new)

Assists with storage management tasks under routine supervision.

Supports the setup and configuration of storage systems.

Helps monitor storage performance and capacity, and documents storage utilisation.

Storage management: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

(modified)

Executes routine storage management tasks following established procedures and using standard tools.

Implements documented configurations for allocation of storage, installation and maintenance of secure storage systems using the agreed operational procedures.

Identifies operational problems and contributes to their resolution.

Uses standard management and reporting tools to collect and report on storage utilisation, performance and backup statistics.

Storage management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(unchanged)

Prepares and maintains operational procedures for storage management.

Monitors capacity, performance, availability and other operational metrics. Takes appropriate action to ensure corrective and proactive maintenance of storage and backup systems to protect and secure business information.

Creates reports and proposals for improvement.

Contributes to the planning and implementation of new installations and scheduled maintenance and changes of existing systems.

Storage management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

(unchanged)

Develops standards and guidelines for implementing data protection and disaster recovery functionality for all business applications and business data.

Provides expert advice and guidance to implement and improve storage management.

Manages storage and backup systems to provide agreed service levels.

Creates, improves and supports storage management services with optimal utilisation of storage resources, ensuring security, availability and integrity of data.

Storage management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(unchanged)

Develops strategies for managing storage and data based on the level of criticality of the information.

Ensures compliance with regulatory and security requirements.

Aligns investments in storage management with business goals and data management policies.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Small change New level