Final Thoughts: Cloud Archiving Tailored to Every Business Need

Cloud Archiving: Security, Costs, and Best Practices in 2025

Cloud archiving has become an essential solution for businesses looking to store their data securely, flexibly, and efficiently. Understanding how cloud storage works, its benefits, and its potential risks is crucial for making the most of this technology. In this guide, we will explore the fundamentals of cloud archiving, the key players in the market, cost considerations, and best practices to ensure security and compliance.

Origins of Cloud Computing and Key Market Players

The concept of cloud computing dates back to the 1960s when researchers like John McCarthy introduced the idea of shared computing resources. However, modern cloud services emerged in the early 2000s with the rise of companies such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Today, these companies dominate the global cloud industry, alongside IBM Cloud and Oracle Cloud. In Europe, providers like OVHcloud, Scaleway, and Outscale are also gaining ground in the market.

The Adoption of Cloud Storage by Governments and Institutions

Many government agencies, hospitals, and local authorities rely on cloud solutions to store and manage their data. In 2021, the French government launched its "Cloud at the Center" strategy to modernize its digital infrastructure. Public services increasingly favor trusted cloud solutions to ensure data sovereignty and security. Some institutions use SecNumCloud-certified providers, including OVHcloud, Outscale (a Dassault Systèmes company), and Bleu, a joint venture between Capgemini and Microsoft. Healthcare institutions and local governments handling sensitive data must comply with strict regulations, such as Health Data Hosting (HDS) certification. As a result, using certified cloud providers has become a necessity.

What Data Can Be Safely Archived in the Cloud?

Cloud computing enables businesses to access storage, servers, and software over the internet instead of maintaining physical infrastructure. Companies use cloud storage to archive work documents, product sheets, administrative files, and backups of websites and databases. However, highly sensitive data should not be stored carelessly. Confidential documents that are not encrypted may be vulnerable to security breaches. To prevent this, organizations must implement strict security protocols before archiving critical information.

Cloud Archiving Costs and Key Factors to Consider

The cost of cloud storage varies depending on the provider and business requirements. For example, AWS S3 charges approximately $0.023 per gigabyte per month, while Google Cloud Storage offers a slightly lower rate of $0.02 per gigabyte. OVHcloud provides a more cost-effective alternative at around €0.01 per gigabyte. While cloud storage capacity is theoretically unlimited, costs depend on factors such as storage volume, bandwidth usage, and data retrieval frequency. Companies should also consider access control management, as well as the need for a stable internet connection, preferably fiber, to ensure optimal performance.

Where Are Cloud-Archived Data Stored?

Data stored in the cloud is distributed across multiple data centers worldwide. In France, OVHcloud and Scaleway operate major data centers in cities such as Roubaix, Strasbourg, and Gravelines. Cloud service providers maintain global networks of data centers, offering redundancy and ensuring data availability.

Ensuring the Security of Invoices and Sensitive Data in the Cloud

Invoices and financial records contain confidential information that requires strong security measures. Choosing a cloud provider that complies with international security standards is crucial. Businesses should prioritize solutions certified under ISO 27001 for information security, SOC 2 Type II for cloud service auditing, and GDPR compliance for data protection. Data encryption is another critical security measure. Files should be encrypted using AES-256 algorithms while stored and protected with TLS 1.2 or 1.3 during transmission. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should also be enabled to reinforce access control and prevent unauthorized access.

Advantages and Limitations of Cloud Archiving

Cloud archiving offers numerous benefits, including global accessibility, enhanced security, and greater flexibility. Businesses can access their data from anywhere, benefit from encrypted storage, and scale their storage capacity according to their needs. However, there are also limitations to consider. Cloud storage is dependent on internet connectivity, meaning data access may be interrupted if the network is down. There is also a risk of security breaches if appropriate protection measures are not in place. Additionally, while cloud storage appears cost-effective at first, long-term expenses can add up, particularly for businesses with large volumes of data that require frequent retrieval.

What to Do in Case of Data Loss in the Cloud?

Businesses must have a disaster recovery plan in place to respond to data loss or cyberattacks. Regular backups should be scheduled across multiple locations to prevent data loss. Some cloud providers offer versioning options that allow businesses to restore previous file versions in case of accidental deletion. Data retention policies should also be clearly defined to ensure that files are not permanently erased by mistake. In case of an emergency, direct contact with the cloud provider's technical support is crucial to resolving issues quickly and minimizing downtime.

Choosing the Best Cloud Storage Solution for Your Business

Each industry has different cloud storage needs. A law firm, for instance, must retain legal documents for extended periods to ensure their legal validity. In this case, long-term storage with strict retention policies is required. Amazon S3 Glacier is an ideal solution, offering low-cost, high-security storage with delayed retrieval options.

For an e-commerce business, fast and secure access to customer records and transaction history is essential. Google Cloud Storage and Microsoft Azure Blob Storage provide high-performance cloud storage solutions with robust access controls.

Hospitals must prioritize data security and compliance with healthcare regulations. OVHcloud offers HDS-certified cloud storage, ensuring the highest level of security for medical records.

Startups, on the other hand, require cost-effective and scalable solutions that grow with their business. Amazon S3 Glacier and Backblaze B2 offer flexible cloud storage options with competitive pricing, making them ideal for startups looking to manage their data efficiently.

Searching for Specific Data in Cloud Storage

Managing large volumes of data in cloud storage can be challenging without proper indexing. Businesses looking to retrieve specific files, such as invoices from a certain period containing a specific keyword, should integrate search and indexing solutions. AWS OpenSearch combined with Amazon S3 enables efficient search within archived files. Google Cloud Storage, when paired with BigQuery, allows businesses to run analytical queries on stored documents. Microsoft Azure Blob Storage can be combined with Azure Cognitive Search for full-text searches, even within PDFs and images. European businesses looking for a sovereign solution can use OVH Object Storage alongside Elasticsearch for fast and reliable document retrieval.

How to Select the Right Cloud Provider for Your Business?

The best cloud provider depends on data retention needs, budget, and retrieval frequency. Amazon S3 Glacier is ideal for long-term archiving, offering storage at approximately $0.004 per gigabyte per month, though retrieval may take several hours. Google Cloud Storage provides faster access, with standard storage priced at around $0.02 per gigabyte per month. Microsoft Azure Blob Storage offers a similar model, with costs ranging from $0.018 per gigabyte per month for frequently accessed data to $0.002 per gigabyte per month for long-term archiving. OVHcloud provides a competitive European alternative, offering object storage at €0.01 per gigabyte per month with no additional retrieval fees.

Final Thoughts: A Cloud Archiving Strategy Tailored to Every Business

Cloud archiving is an effective and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes. However, security and compliance must remain a top priority. Choosing the right provider, implementing access control measures, and using encryption are essential steps in ensuring a secure and reliable cloud storage strategy. Each company should assess its specific needs regarding data retention, costs, and industry regulations to select the most suitable cloud storage solution.

For businesses looking to optimize their cloud storage strategy, consulting with experts can help streamline operations and enhance data protection. Taking proactive steps now will ensure a more secure and efficient digital future.