Backups Are for Continuity, Not Archival
Backups provide continuity—the ability to resume after an unexpected event—and are not archives.
A backup allows systems to be restored to their recent snapshot, but that does not guarantee the contents of those systems remain accessible. Having a copy of the file does not mean it is readable, as file formats or software may become obsolete.
- Edward M. Corrado and Heather Moulaison Sandy. Digital Preservation for Libraries, Archives, & Museums. 2017.