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.
(..) you do know. Yeah? Whose authority? - Five hundred dollars, this cost. EAMES: What's inside it? Cash, cards, ID. And this. Useful? Maybe. You're on. You have got an hour. An hour? I was supposed to have all night to crack this. And Saito wasn't supposed to be shot in the chest. You have got one hour, now get us something useful, please. - What's that? - Good authority. Uncle Peter. Just make them stop. - The combination. (..)2010 Inception