Ok, so here we have the two most important terms which are commonly used within the data storage industry. But many people do not know the basic difference between the two.

Therefore, after having gone through the article key differences between data backup and data archiving, I have made this table to sum up the key differences between the two concepts and to aid the readers in having a holistic view of both.
Data Backup |
Data Archiving |
|
Definition |
Data stored on storage media for recovery purposes in case the original data is lost |
Data is stored on storage media along with meta data for long time retention |
Data Storage |
Stores both active and inactive data |
Stores inactive data only |
Storage Media |
Backup Tapes, Hard Drives, Cloud etc |
Backup Tapes, Hard Drives |
Data Duplication |
Production data is usually stored on two locations; 1) the original location 2) Backup location |
Data is stored on only one location which is data archiving location e.g. it’s like shifting your inactive data to other storage media |
Data Recovery |
If production data is lost, it can be recovered from the backup location |
If the archived data is lost then it’s gone forever |
Data Access |
Data is stored in big blocks so larger data can be recovered when backup is triggered. However, the access is bit slower i.e. volume data recovery means a server or computer system recovery along with all the applications |
Enterprise based individual data is stored and it is rather easier to access data from archives because the data being archived is very simple e.g. files, databases, emails |
Disaster Recovery Protection |
Once data is backed up then IT people makes another copy of the backed up data and send it offsite to enhance the protection – It’s a common practice |
DR strategy is very different from the traditional one under this. Many customers use replication function embedded in the archive system in order to protect the archive data for DR. But this tend to be a costly approach compared to the tradition DRs in backup system |
Recapitulating, it is very important to know the jargon and terminologies of your respective industry in order to make sound decisions. Data backup and data archiving though stores data on the storage media but due to the difference in their respective natures; our decision making can be substantially affected. Therefore, knowing the basic and key differences between the two is very important.
Lastly, you can get the best of backup tapes and hard drives from ODSI UK at cost effective rates to serve the both, data backup and archiving, purposes.
Pingback: Data Backup Vs. Data Archiving – Know the...