Which set of activities comprises data lifecycle management in cloud data services?

• A. Encrypt, decrypt, delete, recreate.
• B. Ingest, index, search, archive.
• C. Backup, snapshot, restore, retire.
• D. Create, store, use, share, archive, and delete.

Answer: (D)

Data lifecycle management in cloud data services is about governing data as it passes through its life stages—from creation to deletion—encompassing storage, access, sharing, archival, and eventual removal. The option that includes creating data, storing it, using it, sharing it, archiving it, and deleting it captures this full flow, aligning with how organizations manage data over time and apply policies for retention, cost optimization, and compliance.

Other sets focus on specific aspects rather than the complete lifecycle. For example, encryption/decryption are security controls, not lifecycle stages. Ingest, index, and search cover data processing and discovery but not ongoing use, sharing, or retirement. Backup, snapshot, restore, and retire emphasize protection and DR activities rather than the full continuum of creation through deletion and regular use or sharing.