In which phase of the data lifecycle does the data leave active use phase and enter into long-term storage?

The phase of the data lifecycle where data transitions from active use to long-term storage is referred to as the archive phase. During this phase, data that is no longer actively needed for daily operations but still may hold value for future reference is transferred to a more permanent storage solution. Archiving ensures that this information is preserved in a way that it can be retrieved if necessary, yet it is not occupying the primary storage resources used for active data.

Archiving is critical because it helps organizations manage their data more efficiently, ensuring that active storage systems are not overwhelmed with information that is not regularly accessed. This phase typically involves processes such as data compression or moving data to less expensive storage options, thus balancing accessibility with cost-effectiveness. The archived data, while not in active use, remains available for compliance, historical analysis, or future business needs.