Microsoft Azure

Archive Storage

Microsoft Azure Archive Storage is a cloud storage service designed for long-term data retention. It serves as a cost-effective solution for storing rarely accessed information that requires minimal retrieval frequency. This category of storage allows organizations to preserve historical records or backup data without the overhead of more active storage tiers, making it suitable for compliance archives or cold data scenarios where immediate access is not a primary requirement.

Choose this service when you need to store infrequently accessed data for extended periods while minimizing costs. Since it operates on a pay-as-you-go model, you only pay for what you use without upfront commitments. However, be aware that there is no free tier available, meaning every byte stored incurs a charge from the start. This lack of a free allowance can impact small-scale projects or initial testing phases where budget constraints are tight.