Which is a benefit of having clear data retention policies?

Having clear data retention policies is key to optimizing data storage costs. When an organization establishes and follows set guidelines on how long certain types of data should be kept, it can eliminate unnecessary duplication and remove data that is no longer needed. This not only frees up valuable storage space but also reduces costs associated with maintaining excess data.

By identifying what data is essential for business processes and compliance, organizations can strategically manage their data lifecycle. This proactive approach helps in efficiently using resources, ensuring that only relevant data is stored, which ultimately lowers costs related to data storage infrastructure and maintenance.

The other options do not directly relate to the primary benefits of having clear data retention policies. While they may touch on aspects of data management, they do not specifically address how retention policies can lead to cost optimization.