9. Archived data

Archived data is not immediately available online. It has been copied, then removed from the system and stored safely offline.

Advantages of archived data

Even though data is no longer being used, there is a permenant copy available just in case it is ever needed

Expensive computer storage is released as unused data is removed from the system

Disadvantages of archived data

If archived data is needed in a hurry it has to be located, fetched and reloaded back onto the computer system

The media that archived data has been stored on might become obsolete, thus rendering the archive useless

If there was a theft or fire, archived data might be lost. There might not be another copy.

Example 1: Finding Oil.

Oil companies have been exploring for oil for nearly a hundred years. And it is incredibly expensive (and dangerous).

They have drilled exploratory holes in the oceans, deserts and even in the Arctic wastes in their hunt for oil. So much geological data is collected which is not immediately needed, that it is cheaper and more practical to archive it rather than store it online.

They keep all the data, so that when they are choosing where to place their next oil rig, they delve into the archive.

Example 2: Parish Records

The births and deaths of people used to be kept as a record in a register in the local church.

This paper archive is now much used when people want to trace their ancestors.

Example 3: Famous person archive

If a person becomes famous enough, then sometimes their personal letters, original manuscripts, early drawings and so on are kept in an archive.

This is to enable future generations to access the archive and understand the life and times of that person.

For example Winston Churchill (politician) has an archive, Albert Einstein (scientist), Harold Pinter (playwright) have archives dedicated to them.