Virtually all online solutions require data backup. Using optical media to digitally copy your data is a smart move for the following reasons: it lets you access your data no matter which computer you're using; it reduces your reliance on third-party backup services; and it gives you a mechanism by which you can transfer your data to a third party.
There are two main issues when it comes to choosing which optical media you'll use to archive your data: the storage capacity of your media must be large enough to serve its intended purpose (data needs have increased rapidly over time); and the optical media you use must be reliable and able to safely store your data throughout the time period you anticipate. Blu-Ray, DVD-R and CD-R are the three current optical media choices for digitally archiving your data.
CD-R - Most CD-Rs allow you to store up to 700mb of data. The specifications for CD-R disks came out in 1988, but the price of recorders exceeded $1000 until 1995 (when the 4020i by Philips came out). Today, almost every computer comes with a built-in CD-R recorder. Based on research by J Perdereau, the average longevity of CD-R disks is about 10 years, putting to rest fears about data degrading.
It's important to remember that problems with optical media are usually caused by issues related to burning the data onto the disk. As soon as you burn data onto an optical media disk, check to make sure the data has copied correctly.
Most cases of CD-R data degradation are the result of dyes and the disk's reflective surface. Improvements have been made with regard to reflective surfaces and dyes, but double-check the manufacturer's statements regarding longevity. If you need long-term digital storage, consider disks with a gold-based reflective surface. They'll be a better choice because they won't oxidize like disks with a silver-based reflective surface.
DVD-R - Most DVD-R disks are capable of storing up to 4.7GBs, but the double-layer, double-sided variety can handle up to 17.08GB of data. Although quality has a tremendous effect on disk lifespan, testing indicates that DVD-Rs will last between 2 and 15 years. The variability in DVD-R archival lifespan is greater than what is seen with CD-R disks, according to tests runs by NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology). A CD-R is probably a better choice for backing up your data unless you need the larger storage capacity of a DVD-R.
Blu-Ray Disc - A double-sided Blu-Ray disk can store up to 50GB of data; the single-sided type can handle as much as 25GB. Sales of Blu-Ray disks haven't been as extensive as initially predicted, probably due to faster and faster broadband speeds and the growth of online streaming. However, of the three types of optical media currently available, Blu-Ray disks offer the most extensive storage. Panasonic and Sony Blu-Ray (HTL) disks are the most reliable for backing up data, according to French testing. The same research indicated that Blu-Ray (LTH) disks should not be used for data backups.
All three of these optical media storage solutions are inexpensive and easy to use for data backup. They're portable, and they eliminate the need to be completely dependent on third-party backup services. That being said, there are uncertainties about their appropriateness for long-term data storage. Having a physical backup copy of your data on one of these three optical media formats should not be the only step you take. An online backup of your data (in addition to your optical media backup) would also be a smart choice to make.
There are two main issues when it comes to choosing which optical media you'll use to archive your data: the storage capacity of your media must be large enough to serve its intended purpose (data needs have increased rapidly over time); and the optical media you use must be reliable and able to safely store your data throughout the time period you anticipate. Blu-Ray, DVD-R and CD-R are the three current optical media choices for digitally archiving your data.
CD-R - Most CD-Rs allow you to store up to 700mb of data. The specifications for CD-R disks came out in 1988, but the price of recorders exceeded $1000 until 1995 (when the 4020i by Philips came out). Today, almost every computer comes with a built-in CD-R recorder. Based on research by J Perdereau, the average longevity of CD-R disks is about 10 years, putting to rest fears about data degrading.
It's important to remember that problems with optical media are usually caused by issues related to burning the data onto the disk. As soon as you burn data onto an optical media disk, check to make sure the data has copied correctly.
Most cases of CD-R data degradation are the result of dyes and the disk's reflective surface. Improvements have been made with regard to reflective surfaces and dyes, but double-check the manufacturer's statements regarding longevity. If you need long-term digital storage, consider disks with a gold-based reflective surface. They'll be a better choice because they won't oxidize like disks with a silver-based reflective surface.
DVD-R - Most DVD-R disks are capable of storing up to 4.7GBs, but the double-layer, double-sided variety can handle up to 17.08GB of data. Although quality has a tremendous effect on disk lifespan, testing indicates that DVD-Rs will last between 2 and 15 years. The variability in DVD-R archival lifespan is greater than what is seen with CD-R disks, according to tests runs by NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology). A CD-R is probably a better choice for backing up your data unless you need the larger storage capacity of a DVD-R.
Blu-Ray Disc - A double-sided Blu-Ray disk can store up to 50GB of data; the single-sided type can handle as much as 25GB. Sales of Blu-Ray disks haven't been as extensive as initially predicted, probably due to faster and faster broadband speeds and the growth of online streaming. However, of the three types of optical media currently available, Blu-Ray disks offer the most extensive storage. Panasonic and Sony Blu-Ray (HTL) disks are the most reliable for backing up data, according to French testing. The same research indicated that Blu-Ray (LTH) disks should not be used for data backups.
All three of these optical media storage solutions are inexpensive and easy to use for data backup. They're portable, and they eliminate the need to be completely dependent on third-party backup services. That being said, there are uncertainties about their appropriateness for long-term data storage. Having a physical backup copy of your data on one of these three optical media formats should not be the only step you take. An online backup of your data (in addition to your optical media backup) would also be a smart choice to make.
About the Author:
John Franks at CD Aces contributed information on businesses recording on CD. See CD Aces for more information. CD Aces has been in the CD and DVD business for over 15 years working with blank media, duplication, and replication.