Online Backup Services FAQ Digital Archive Service FAQ

Digital Archive Service

What's the difference between CUBE Archiving and CUBE Online Backup?
How long are archives retained?
You mentioned multiple storage 'mediums,' what does that mean?
If I already use the CUBE Online Backup, will I have to purchase additional software for archiving?
Is archiving automatic?
How do I access previously archived files?

Q. What's the difference between CUBE Archiving and CUBE Online Backup?

A. In terms of the technologies used, very little. However, the methodologies, best practices and procedures associated with archiving data are very different when compared to online backup. The main difference between archiving and backup is the type of data being affected.

Archive data is typically inactive information that must be retained for extended periods of time, often to satisfy legislation or policy.

Backup data is typically active and current with multiple versions needing only temporary retention. Data that was previously classified as backup data will often become archive data over time.

The table to the right compares online backup (AKA electronic vaulting) with digital archiving.

Q. How long are archives retained?

A. Archived data can be retained for almost any length of time. The CUBE Archive service has several options for length of retention and we have a wide variety of packages for any kind of data. However, if your needs are not addressed with our existing packages, we will strive to deliver a customized retention scheme. Additionally, we can provide multiple storage mediums depending on the length of retention and type of data.

Q. You mentioned multiple storage "mediums". What does that mean?

A. CUBE offers several different types, or "mediums" of storage. The best type to select depends on the data being archived and the length of the retention period needed. These mediums we offer include: Disk-based, Magnetic Tape, and Microfiche.

Disk-based and Magnetic Tape storage are primarily used for archiving. However, if certain documents or pictures require an extended retention period, we can print those files on Microfiche. The expected life span of properly stored Microfiche is approximately 500 years. Thus, you can ensure critical documents will be accessible far enough into the future to satisfy any retention requirement.

Q. If I already use the CUBE Online Backup, will I have to purchase additional software for archiving?

A. No. In fact, the archive "module" is already present in the Time Navigator Agent software used for backups. To get started, simply contact CUBE to setup an archive account.

Q. Is archiving automatic?

A. No. To archive inactive information, you must manually transfer the data files via the Time Navigator User Interface. Archiving is not automatic because manual setup acts as a safeguard to ensure the right data is being archived to the right place, and for the right length of time.

Typically, archiving is performed by an archivist or person with the necessary expertise to manage a company's records. Furthermore, without user intervention, it is almost impossible to predict what should be archived at a specific time, where it should be archived, and for how long. Every file archived and all destination folders can be vastly diverse within an archive structure.

A manual setup of archiving ensures that the user knows exactly which files are going where, and for how long.

Q. How do I access previously archived files?

A. Simply launch the Time Navigator User Interface and navigate to the Archive Folder. From there, you can add, edit and restore data in the Archive Folder. For detailed instructions, please refer to How to retrieve archive data with Time Navigator.