A sub-archive is initiated. The sub-archive saves changes that have occurred since a previous final archive. Changes to an operational database (i.e., the operational database that is being archived) are allowed during the first sub-archive. A final archive is initiated in series after the sub-archive has completed. The final archive does not allow changes to the operational database when the final archive is active. In one embodiment, the sub-archive may comprise a plurality of sub-archives that depend on an amount of outstanding changes that exist in the operational database.