Cloud archiving definition
Cloud archiving is when you store data in a cloud for a long term. It’s best suited for data that’s used infrequently or needs to be kept for compliance purposes. Since the data is in the cloud, you can reach it from anywhere without worrying about data loss if your computer breaks — the storage company keeps it safe.
Cloud archiving use cases
- Data retention. Cloud archiving allows companies to store large amounts of data off-site, freeing up on-premise storage resources. The cloud storage providers are responsible for the safety and security of this data. It's also helpful for data that needs to be retained for long periods due to regulatory compliance requirements.
- Cost efficiency. Storage hardware is quite expensive, particularly when storing large amounts of data indefinitely. Cloud storage providers typically charge based on the amount of storage used, which can make it a more cost-effective option, particularly for large quantities of data.
- Scalability. A business can increase or decrease the amount of storage they're using and paying for based on their current needs.
- Disaster recovery. In the event of a catastrophe, such as a fire or flood, data stored in the cloud can still be accessed.
- Search and retrieval. Some cloud archiving solutions offer advanced search capabilities, allowing businesses to find and retrieve archived data quickly when necessary. This can be particularly useful for compliance audits or legal discovery processes.
