What Does Cold Data Mean?

In the parlance of today’s IT community, cold data is data that is not frequently accessed or actively used. It is data that may get collected and sit for a long time in some virtual container without being retrieved, analyzed or transferred to another part of the system.

Techopedia Explains Cold Data

Working with cold data, as opposed to warm or hot data, involves some specific philosophies. In general, cold data is easier to deal with, because there are not as many requirements regarding synchronized results, or immediate input-output processes that have to be accommodated. Cold storage often involves setting up a durable archive – a place where data can stay safely for the long term, but where it is available when it is needed.