What’s the difference between data archiving and data backup?

Just about any organization, be it a large corporation or a small business, has a need to preserve data. Whether for legal reasons or the need to keep your historical data, most feel a pressure to hold on to their media, and this can be a lot more complicated than it sounds. You need to choose the proper way to protect yourself and your data, but you may not know how.  Failure to take action can lead to endless problems down the road.

It’s important to know the difference between data archiving and data backup so you can do what is right for you. Many people confuse these two things and it ends up costing them in the long run. We’ll break down the differences for you.

What It Is

Data backup is data stored for recovery purposes in the event that the original is lost or damaged beyond repair. Backup is simply a copy. It is intended to be used as a safeguard.

Data archiving is typically the original data, relocated for long-term storage. It takes historical data and extends its life, preserving it for future reference.

Information It Stores

Data backup is a copy of active or inactive information, keeping vital information available via a disk or tape.

Data archiving is for inactive information, keeping for records in case access is needed, but at a low storage cost.

Short Term Backup

Data backup that is stored on your production disk takes up valuable space. Since it is a copy and not the original, not only does it not free up any space, it uses twice as much by keeping an additional copy. Backup on your production disk should be reserved for short-term backup of active files.

Long Term Solutions

Long-term backup can be a little more complex, and this is where data backup and data archiving are often confused with one another. Offsite data backup is usually done on a tape or disk, and it allows for large-scale recoveries in the event that data is lost or damaged. Backup data is written in large blocks and optimized for quick access to large volumes of information, applications and OS files. The large blocks of information don’t make it easy to access a single file and it ends up being just about the same amount of work as recovering an entire server.

Data archiving, on the other hand, is designed with different access profiles, which typically allows for cataloging and search capabilities. Files, databases, and email messages are usually stored along with any related metadata. Some software products allow you to search based on data type, date, or the category or label that you assign your files. Data archiving does not provide full server or large-volume recoveries, but it is ideal for individual file access on a cost-effective basis. Many people are confused about the purpose of each, and they use backup for data archiving and consequently cost themselves a lot of time and stress.

If you’re looking for the ability to recover an entire system, data backup is probably the best bet for you. If you want quick access to individual files when you need them, and the ability to categorize and search data information, data archiving is the solution for you.

Data Archiving – Protecting Your Archives

Data that is no longer actively used can be moved to archives. If you’re the type of person that keeps multiple backup copies out of fear of compromised files, there is a solution for you.  Image Mechanics offers ProStorage hard drive cases to protect your data archives. You can store your external hard drives in a case that is both safe and space-effective, storing 18-24 hard drives in a foam case that fits inside a file box or filing cabinet drawer. Your data will be securely nuzzled inside anti-static foam that protects them from corruption and damage.