How does archiving differ from backups?

The distinction between archiving and backups is essential in the context of data management. Archiving specifically refers to the process of moving older or infrequently accessed data to a slower storage medium, where it can still be accessed as needed. This allows organizations to maintain access to important historical information without cluttering their primary storage systems. Essentially, archives serve as a repository for data that is not immediately required for day-to-day operations but may be important for future reference or compliance purposes.

On the other hand, backups are primarily focused on short-term data protection. They serve as a safeguard against data loss from unexpected events, such as hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyber threats. Backups are typically created regularly to ensure that the most current versions of critical data are retrievable without significant downtime.

Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes that archiving provides access to older files, while backups are concerned with protecting data on a short-term basis. This reflects their respective roles in data lifecycle management, clarifying that archiving is meant for information that may be accessed over time, while backups are a protective measure for preserving current system states.