Archival storage is optimised for research data that does not change very often and/or needs to be preserved for the long term. The storage medium is typically lower cost and may have slower response times when accessing data (e.g. lower cost disk or tape). Data is replicated on a routine basis (less frequent than working storage) in case of hardware and media failure and data corruption. Some Nodes may offer data encryption services to protect the data from unauthorised access. 

Data types:  Archival storage aids the dissemination, publication and/or long term preservation of completed research datasets.