Which storage class should you choose for long-term data retention to create quarterly reports?

The Coldline storage class is an excellent choice for long-term data retention, especially when you need to access that data infrequently, such as for generating quarterly reports. It is designed specifically for data that is not accessed often and provides a cost-effective solution for storing large amounts of archival data. Though retrieval fees apply for accessing the data, the lower storage costs associated with Coldline make it ideal for organizations that maintain data for extended periods but don't need immediate access.

In contrast, the other storage classes serve different use cases. Standard storage is suited for data that requires frequent access and low latency, making it more expensive for long-term storage of infrequently accessed data. The Nearline storage class targets data that is accessed less than once a month, which could be more frequent than necessary for quarterly reporting. The Archive storage class is even more cost-effective for rarely accessed data; however, it has a longer retrieval time, which could delay access to the data when it is needed for reporting purposes. For quarterly reports, the balance of cost and accessibility offered by Coldline makes it the most practical choice.