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So far we've covered two types of backup: full/automatic and offsite. But there is one more which can get extremely complicated: archiving.

The purpose of archiving is not as a backup for an emergency situation. The other solutions we discussed are better suited such incidents. Archiving is about long-term storage.

There are three key aspects to think about when considering long-term storage. One, the durability of the media itself. How long will it last before it fades or crumbles?

Two, the durability of the file formats of the data. Will future software programs be able to open those files?

Three, will the structure of the data allow for easy comprehension and retrieval in the distance future by people other than yourself?

Let's look at these more closely.