Data storage that is not on-line and not with immediate access.

Near-line storage is the on-site storage of data on removable media. There are three major categories of near-line storage: magnetic disk, magnetic tape, and compact disc (CD). Near-line storage provides inexpensive, reliable, and unlimited data backup and archiving with somewhat less accessibility than with integrated online storage. For individuals and small companies, it can be an ideal solution if the user is willing to tolerate some time delay when storing or retrieving data. (www.searchstorage.com)

Data not immediately accessible by the host but available without human intervention (for example, a data-storage library system).