What does archiving mean in the context of data storage?

Archiving, in the context of data storage, refers to the process of moving data that is no longer actively used to a separate storage system for long-term retention. This practice is important for managing large amounts of data while ensuring that infrequently accessed data can still be retrieved when needed.

The correct answer focuses on the concept of transferring data to portable media or long-term storage, reflecting the purpose of archiving to preserve important information without occupying space on primary storage systems. This method is particularly useful for compliance, historical reference, or data recovery purposes.

In contrast, moving data from primary storage to short-term storage does not capture the intent of archiving, as short-term storage suggests that the data remains readily available, which is contrary to the principle of archiving. Keeping data in paper storage does not utilize digital solutions and fails to contribute to efficient data management in contemporary settings. Saving data in computer logs pertains to tracking events and operations rather than long-term preservation for later use, which is not the essence of archiving.