A method comprises receiving an input specifying one or more rules in connection with archiving one or more of a plurality of files from a source storage location to a target storage location. The one or more rules specify one or more constraints for retention of the one or more of the plurality of the files. In the method, the one or more of the plurality of files are retrieved from the source storage location for migration to the target storage location. A request is sent to the target storage location that the target storage location invoke the one or more rules to retain the one or more of the plurality of files in the target storage location. The target storage location comprises a cloud storage platform.