In a data lifecycle, which stage typically follows usage?

In a data lifecycle, which stage typically follows usage?

• A. Creation
• B. Storage
• C. Archiving
• D. Deletion

Answer: (C)

After data has been used for current operations, the next step is typically archiving. Archiving moves data to long-term, lower-cost storage while keeping it accessible for future needs such as audits, compliance, or historical analysis. This preserves valuable information without burdening active systems with rarely accessed data. Deletion would discard the data entirely, which isn’t appropriate if retention requirements exist. While data remains stored in general terms, archiving is the dedicated stage that follows usage to retain data efficiently and accessibly.

After data has been used for current operations, the next step is typically archiving. Archiving moves data to long-term, lower-cost storage while keeping it accessible for future needs such as audits, compliance, or historical analysis. This preserves valuable information without burdening active systems with rarely accessed data. Deletion would discard the data entirely, which isn’t appropriate if retention requirements exist. While data remains stored in general terms, archiving is the dedicated stage that follows usage to retain data efficiently and accessibly.