7. Archiving Data

When projects finish or files are no longer being used then there is no real need to store them on the network or system. However, it is likely that the organisation will want to keep a copy for future reference.

Archiving is the term used to refer to making a copy of data or files which are no longer in use, removing the files from the network or system and then storing the files away from the computer, ready to be accessed at a later date if required.

Benefits of archiving

- you have a permanent record or source of the data/files that are no longer in use

- reduces data which is stored on the network or system thus making it faster to back-up

- network storage space is expensive. By archiving data it frees up space for data or files which are currently in use.

- improves the performance of the system since less files stored.

Difference between backing up and archiving

When files are backed up, the original data still remains on the system. Whereas with archiving, once a copy has been made, the original files are removed from the system.

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: Data archive facility