Archive

An area of data storage set aside for non-current (old, or historical) records in which the information can be retained under a restricted access regime until no longer required by law or organisation record retention policies. This is a field in which computers have a distinct advantage over older paper files, in that computer files can be 'compressed' when archived to take up far less space on the storage media. Paper records can only be compressed by using microfilm, microfiche, or, more recently, by scanning into a computer system. Whichever system is chosen, care must be exercised to ensure that the records retained meet legal requirements should it ever be necessary to produce these records in a court of law.