What is file archiving? File archiving is the timely, systematic process of gathering, collating, and relocating stale, out-of-date, or rarely-used data from a server or operating system to a separate storage location, server, tape, or even the cloud. All data archived is generally compressed with like or coordinating files and programs that previously functioned together and share a history. Additionally, any records and documentation concerning that data would be included in this file. File archiving is generally done to make more space available and reduce “stress” on an organization’s main server or operating systems and keep those systems running fast, smoothly, and efficiently or to keep important data secure for various retention purposes. Archiving should not be confused with backing up files, which is when data is copied for restoration purposes.
Speed of service and productivity are important aspects of business today. How fast and efficient a company’s operating systems function are a huge part of keeping companies competitive in the marketplace. New solutions, upgrades, patches, etc. are continually being offered to keep operating systems running quickly, efficiently, and securely. This makes some older solutions somewhat obsolete. Keeping these older solutions on your servers as part of your regular ecosystem can significantly slow programs or operating systems down and cause them not to function as effectively and productively as possible.
Some purposes for archiving include:
Absolutely! Many operating systems today will have a set, prescribed schedule to monitor the amount of available space on their servers. These regular processes will quickly identify unused, inactive, or unnecessary data and designate that data to be archived to free up space on servers and to ensure all operating systems can run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Archiving will combine and collate large amounts of latent data and coordinate that data into one large file. The data will then be compressed together securely. The space made available by consistently archiving files will ensure your operating system is running as designed and will also make it possible to freely add new solutions to your operating system and servers as they become necessary.
The ability to delete archived files may be dependent on the solution and the chosen attributes used to archive the file. The archived file may have been given attributes meant to protect the file in a way that makes it impossible to casually delete. It is important to consider whether an archived file should be deleted.
Even though a file has been archived, it does not mean the file is unimportant. There may be valuable, critical data paramount to the overall needs of an organization in the archived files that make it essential that all the files stay intact and protected. It is also possible that securely maintaining an archived file long-term is required by local, state, or even federal compliance guidelines, which could be a reason certain archived files would have been given attributes to specify they should be protected and not able or easily able to delete.
“File ready for archiving” generally means that a file has been prepared and cleansed, that permissions and attributes have been designated, and that it is ready to be archived. When archiving a file, it is important to ensure it is working properly, all coordinated files have been linked, and the data is free of any threats or risks. There are archiving solutions available that will provide guidelines to facilitate the grouping together of all the data in order to ensure an efficient, correct archiving process.
There are several places where archived files can be stored. Archived files can be stored on HDD, SSD, tape, and in the cloud. Even though it is the same amount of data, once it has been relocated and compressed, it takes up significantly less space, so it can even be kept on the same server. Depending on the set attributes of the archived file may determine where it is to be stored. Today, there are many secure, effective solutions available that will also easily monitor and assist in grouping and collating all essential data, metadata, and all pertinent additional information needed to create the best file to be archived and that will provide space for its storage. As in many situations, these solutions are available both on-premises and in the cloud.
When a file is archived, all data that has had a function working together in a program or solution will be grouped together and accurately collated to make a large, secure, protected file. This data will then be compressed to make one complete file. This data can still be easily accessible when desired; it has just been compressed to take up less room on the server or operating system. Creating an archived file can also make it easier to send large amounts of data via email or make vital data or programs easier to download and unpack.
File archiving solutions should include many or all of the following features:
The benefits of file archiving software include:
