What is Archive Storage?
Archive Storage is the lowest-cost storage class in Google Cloud Storage. It is optimized for data that is rarely or never accessed but must be retained long-term. Unlike tape-based solutions, Archive Storage offers millisecond access without restoration time.
Core Features
- Lowest Storage Costs: Significantly cheaper than Standard, Nearline or Coldline Storage
- Immediate Access: Millisecond latency instead of hours with tape solutions
- Unified API: Same Cloud Storage API as all other storage classes
- Object Lifecycle Management: Automatic migration between storage classes
- Encryption: Automatic encryption at rest and in transit
Typical Use Cases
Compliance Archiving
Organizations often must retain business data for 7 to 10 years. Archive Storage meets these requirements cost-effectively with EU data residency and audit trails.
Long-term Backup Retention
Old backups needed only in disaster scenarios can be moved to Archive Storage. Lifecycle policies automate migration from more expensive storage classes.
Media Asset Archive
Production studios archive completed projects in Archive Storage. When needed for remasters or compilations, data is available in seconds.
Benefits
- Up to 90% cheaper than Standard Storage
- No hardware or tape management required
- Geo-redundant options for maximum data security
- Seamless integration with all GCP services
Integration with innFactory
As a Google Cloud Partner, innFactory supports you with Archive Storage: archiving strategy, lifecycle policy design, migration from on-premises archives and cost optimization of existing cloud storage.
Available Tiers & Options
Archive Storage
- Lowest storage costs
- Millisecond access
- Unlimited scaling
- Higher retrieval costs
- 365 day minimum retention
Typical Use Cases
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Archive Storage?
Archive Storage is the lowest-cost Cloud Storage class on Google Cloud. It is optimized for data accessed less than once per year, with a minimum retention period of 365 days.
How quickly can I access archived data?
Unlike tape-based solutions, Archive Storage offers access in the millisecond range. Data is immediately available without restoration time.
When should I use Archive instead of Coldline Storage?
Archive Storage is suitable for data accessed less than once yearly. Coldline is more cost-effective for quarterly access. For more frequent access, Nearline or Standard Storage is recommended.
How are costs calculated?
Costs consist of storage price per GB/month, retrieval costs per GB, and operation costs. The storage price is very low, but retrievals are more expensive than other storage classes.
