Archive storage for data you rarely need

Store cold data with a retrieval plan

Not every file belongs on a production server forever. An archive is intended for information that must be retained but is rarely opened: historical reports, completed media projects, account exports, or log bundles. Moving this material out of active storage can simplify day-to-day capacity planning.

Archiving only works when data can still be found and restored. Define ownership, naming, retention periods, deletion approvals, and recovery expectations before transferring files. HostGanga can help evaluate available options, but retrieval timing, storage classes, and charges are plan-specific and should be confirmed.

Retention mapping

Group records by business purpose and required retention instead of collecting an indefinite pile of files.

Searchable inventories

Maintain an index of archive contents, dates, owners, and checksums so teams know what is stored.

Testable recovery

Document how authorised staff request, verify, and return restored data to an appropriate working location.

Build an archive policy

Start with the reason each dataset is retained. Legal, contractual, tax, and operational needs may have different periods. Record when an item becomes eligible for deletion and who can approve that action. Sensitive files may also need encryption and restricted credentials.

• Classify records by purpose and sensitivity
• Assign owners and review dates
• Document deletion and legal-hold exceptions

Do not confuse archive and backup

A backup helps recover a current system after loss or corruption; an archive preserves selected historical material. Some data needs both. Keep more than one recoverable copy where the risk requires it, verify checksums after transfers, and rehearse a sample retrieval rather than trusting upload completion alone.

Frequently asked questions