We frequently find that primary storage is used as an archive location. Unfortunate, unnecessary and expensive, because this storage is designed precisely to work quickly with changing data. Storage backed up daily. Everything that archive data is precisely NOT and (see backup) does not need.

Cloud

For archival data, it is better to choose a durable mode of storage with a long-term service contract. Many organizations then quickly think of storing archive data in the cloud. Because “that basically has an infinite lifespan, service is included and it’s scalable. Indeed, archives only grow and never get smaller. That should be able to handle storage. The cloud can do that.

Cost

But. Those with reasonable records would do well to look at costs as well. With long-term storage, say 10 or 20 years, the monthly costs can still add up considerably. It’s like leasing: if you buy the storage yourself, you will always be cheaper over this kind of time period. That break-even point is normally between three and five years. To that then comes transfer costs to and from the cloud, and even there the costs can add up considerably.

Two more conditions

An important requirement for archival data is that it requires highly secure storage. Storage that can maintain and control itself. After all, data should not be lost, at the same time there is no need to back up this unchanged data daily or weekly. In fact, these dates do not change. A copy is necessary, of course, but a regular backup is not. A prerequisite is also that the storage needs little administration and is already doing a good job with a few settings.

Want to know more about our vision of the best way to store archival data? Feel free to inquire about the possibilities!