Retention of information in a computer, maybe -- or in part (7)
I believe the answer is:
storage
'retention of information in a computer' is the definition.
(information stored on a computer)
'or in part' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'part' becomes 'stage' (I have seen 'Part of journey ' mean 'stage' so perhaps 'part' could also mean 'stage').
'or' going into 'stage' is 'STORAGE'.
'maybe' is the link.
(Other definitions for storage that I've seen before include "Place for putting items away" , "Longer-term laying up" , "Act of putting things away for future use" , "Space available for keeping goods" , "Depository space for goods" .)