How do I archive old application files cheaply?

A cheap way to archive old application files is usually to combine compression + low-cost storage + clear retention rules.

Good low-cost options

1) Compress files before archiving

• Use 7z, zip, or tar.gz for individual projects or folders.
• If files are already compressed formats (images, PDFs, videos, databases), compression may save little.

2) Use cold storage / archive tiers

If you’re using cloud storage, look at low-access tiers such as:

• AWS S3 Glacier / Glacier Deep Archive
• Azure Blob Archive
• Google Cloud Archive Storage

These are cheap for long-term storage, but:

• Retrieval can take time
• Retrieval fees may apply
• Best for data you rarely need

3) Store on inexpensive local media

If you want the cheapest possible approach:

• External HDDs are usually the best cost per TB for offline archives
• Keep two copies on separate drives if the data matters
• Store one copy offsite if possible

4) Use backup software with deduplication

Tools like:

• restic
• borgbackup
• Duplicati

These can:

• Encrypt archives
• Deduplicate repeated files
• Save space over time
• Make restores easier

5) Put old versions in object storage

If you need to keep application builds, release artifacts, logs, or packages:

• Store them in an S3-compatible bucket
• Apply lifecycle rules to move old files to cheaper tiers automatically

Best practice checklist

• Decide what “old” means, e.g. files not used in 1–2 years
• Remove junk before archiving: temp files, caches, duplicates
• Compress and encrypt sensitive archives
• Keep an index or manifest so files are searchable later
• Test restoring a few files to make sure the archive is usable

Cheapest practical setup

For most small teams:

1. Put old files into a compressed archive
2. Store them on a cheap external HDD
3. Keep a second copy in cloud archive storage
4. Use a tool like restic or borg if you want versioned, deduplicated backups

If you want, I can recommend the cheapest setup based on your file size, access frequency, and whether you prefer cloud or local storage.