The data could 'prove (to be) useful' [=people may eventually find that the data is helpful] in identifying future problems.
the 'useful life' of a satellite [=the amount of time during which a satellite is in good enough condition to be used]
Her pocketknife 'came in useful' [=(more commonly) 'came in handy'] when we needed to cut the tangled fishing line.
(..) boring. But if it is... destroyed... Look at all these little things, so busy, now. Each one is useful. What a lovely ballet. So full of form and colour. All the hundreds of technicians that created them will be able to feed their (..)1997 The Fifth Element