We have archived data 3 times. Each time we archive, we create a new environment for the data. This way, we know which data is the oldest. For example, our live company(s) are 500, 501, 502.

Company#s 510, 511, and 512 store 1998 & 1999 transactions.
Company#s 520, 521, and 522 store 2000 transactions.
Company#s 530, 531, and 532 store 2001 & 2002 transactions.
Soon, company#s 540, 541 and 542 will store 2003 transactions.

Given this strategy, we have begun to consider moving one of these one of these series off line by making a sequential dump and an export of the data definition.

Has anyone done this? What else should be considered? Is it possible to purchase the service to restore this data if necessary?