What are backup copies of data that serve as an alternative data store called?

Backup copies of data that serve as an alternative data store are referred to as replicas. Replication involves creating and maintaining one or more copies of data in different locations, ensuring that data can be accessed even if the original source becomes unavailable or fails. This process is vital for disaster recovery and data availability, as replicas can be quickly utilized to restore operations and minimize downtime.

While the other terms are related to data storage and backup, they have different specific meanings. Archives typically refer to data that is stored for long-term retention and compliance rather than immediate access or redundancy. Snapshots capture the state of a system at a specific point in time, allowing for recovery to that moment but not necessarily functioning as a continuous alternative data store. Images refer to a complete copy of an entire system or disk but may not focus on data replication concepts. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role of replicas in data management strategies.