Long-term data retention is no longer a “luxury” reserved for large corporations. Amid audits, legal proceedings, internal policies, and increasing regulatory pressure, more organizations — especially SMBs supported by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) — need to preserve information for years without turning storage into a source of unpredictable costs or operational puzzles.
In this context, Acronis has introduced Acronis Archival Storage, a new storage layer designed for infrequently accessed data within Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, with a clear promise: durability, security, and a more stable cost model than many associate with public cloud when API or egress fees come into play.
What Acronis Proposes: “Archival” with a Modern Backup Mindset
The concept relies on an infrastructure principle: separating hot data (operational) from cold data (retention) without losing control or governance. Acronis Archival Storage is presented as S3-compatible object storage, integrated into its management console and unified billing system, enabling MSPs to operate and pass on costs smoothly.
In terms of features, Acronis highlights:
- Milliseconds recovery, 11×9 durability, and 99.5% availability.
- Encryption and immutability (WORM) to protect data integrity.
- Predictable total cost of ownership by eliminating egress and API fees (per the company).
- Seven data centers to improve connectivity and compliance coverage.
Acronis positions the product as a solution to a common pain point: tape is low-cost per TB but slow and inflexible; and certain public cloud approaches can introduce “surprises” when retrieving large volumes or automating access at scale.
Security and Compliance: WORM as a Must-Have, Not Just a Buzzword
The WORM (Write Once, Read Many) feature is crucial for regulated sectors and for ransomware resilience strategies: archived data must not be alterable, encryptable, or deletable without robust controls. In an environment where attackers often target backups to trap victims, immutable archiving is increasingly seen as a “second layer” of security.
Acronis positions Archival Storage as a complement for prolonged retention needs and typical use cases: audits, investigations, and even AI-supported analysis of historical data, especially when quick recovery of specific subsets is required.
The MSP Angle: Margin, Predictability, and “No Charge for Breathing”
The press release emphasizes a channel-focused approach: for MSPs, the goal is not just storage but operation and monetization of the service without cost uncertainty. Acronis states that integration with its platform and the removal of egress fees allows for “building predictable margins” and differentiating their offering with a layer of managed “inactive storage” from the same platform.
Additionally, Acronis mentions its collaboration with Seagate Lyve Cloud in the marketing message, reinforcing the narrative of “durable and accessible archive” without economic surprises.
Quick Comparison Table: Where It Fits
| Approach | Main Advantage | Typical Limitation | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tape (LTO and similar) | Very low cost per TB, offline | Slow recovery, complex operations, difficult searches | Retention “by obligation” with long RTO |
| Public cloud (archive) | Elasticity and ecosystem | Variable costs for access/egress/API (per provider/use) | Retention with demand spikes and cloud-native architecture |
| S3 Managed Archive (Acronis Archival Storage) | Operational integration + WORM + MSP focus | Depends on Acronis ecosystem and model | MSPs and SMBs seeking centralized, governed archive |
What IT Teams Should Evaluate Before Adoption
Beyond the announcement, practical decision-making often boils down to a clear checklist:
- Retention Policy: required years, data types, who can request recoveries.
- Realistic RTO/RPO for archival: if quick recovery is needed, tape might become a hurdle.
- Cost Model: what happens when recovering dozens of TB for audits or incidents.
- Governance and evidence: auditing, traceability, and immutability controls.
- Integration with existing backup: archive works best when it complements rather than forces a complete strategy overhaul.
In summary, Acronis Archival Storage aims to fill a very specific — but increasingly common — niche: store a lot, touch little, protect extensively, and recover seamlessly without turning costs into a roulette wheel. (Acronis)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “S3 compatible” mean and why is it important?
It allows using the object storage model and common integration patterns (tools and automation already in place), easing process portability and standardization across hybrid environments.
What’s the purpose of WORM in an archive storage?
To ensure archived data cannot be arbitrarily modified or deleted, which is critical for compliance and especially useful as ransomware protection.
When does it replace tape, and when does it not?
It makes sense when you need faster access, more operable searches, or less manual management. Tape remains competitive if RTO is very relaxed and the organization is experienced with library operations and media rotation.
Which type of company benefits most?
MSPs and SMBs with retention obligations (legal, audit, regulated sectors) looking for a governed archive from a cybersecurity platform, avoiding complexity and unexpected costs during recovery.