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 - These typically offer storage of 700mb. The specification for CD-R was first published in 1988, but it wasn't until 1995 that the first recorder that cost less than a $1000 was introduced (the Philips 4020i). But now CD-R recorders are ubiquitous on virtually all computers. The average CD-R discs have been shown to typically last for 10 years, according to research by J Perdereau, so many people's fears about degradation are largely unfounded.
Bear in mind though that most storage problems with optical media are attributable to issues with the initial burn of the disc. So it is essential that as soon as you have burned any media to any type of optical storage that you check it has copied over the data 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.
The DVD-R - The storage capacity of most DVD-Rs is 4.7GBs of data. It is, however, possible to obtain double-layer, double-sided DVD-R discs with up to 17.08GBs of storage capacity. Disc quality has a significant impact on longevity, but research has shown that the lifespan of DVD-Rs ranges from 2 to 15 years. According to the NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology), the duration of archival usability of DVD-R discs is much more variable than CD-R discs. So, if you don't need the DVD-R's larger capacity, the CD-R is probably the better option.
The Blu-Ray - A single-layer Blu-Ray disc typically has a 25GB storage capacity, but the double-sided version can hold up to 50GB of data. Early predictions for the popularity of Blu-Ray haven't panned out, and their use isn't as widespread as anticipated. This is probably the result of rapidly increasing broadband speeds and the growing popularity of online streaming in the US. However, Blu-Ray discs provide the largest storage capacity of any of today's three optical media archiving solutions. French research into Blu-Ray lifespan determined that Sony and Panasonic Blu-Ray (HTL) discs were the most reliable for archival purposes. The same study concluded that Blu-Ray (LTH) discs were not appropriate for digital archiving purposes.
Each of the different storage solutions offers a cheap and easy way of backing up your data. They allow you to have your data in a properly portable format and release you from total dependence on external services. However, while you should have a backup copy of your data in a physical archival format such as the three I have described, it should not be your only backup due to uncertainties about long-term data storage. So you would also be wise to additionally have an online digital backup in place as well.
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 - These typically offer storage of 700mb. The specification for CD-R was first published in 1988, but it wasn't until 1995 that the first recorder that cost less than a $1000 was introduced (the Philips 4020i). But now CD-R recorders are ubiquitous on virtually all computers. The average CD-R discs have been shown to typically last for 10 years, according to research by J Perdereau, so many people's fears about degradation are largely unfounded.
Bear in mind though that most storage problems with optical media are attributable to issues with the initial burn of the disc. So it is essential that as soon as you have burned any media to any type of optical storage that you check it has copied over the data 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.
The DVD-R - The storage capacity of most DVD-Rs is 4.7GBs of data. It is, however, possible to obtain double-layer, double-sided DVD-R discs with up to 17.08GBs of storage capacity. Disc quality has a significant impact on longevity, but research has shown that the lifespan of DVD-Rs ranges from 2 to 15 years. According to the NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology), the duration of archival usability of DVD-R discs is much more variable than CD-R discs. So, if you don't need the DVD-R's larger capacity, the CD-R is probably the better option.
The Blu-Ray - A single-layer Blu-Ray disc typically has a 25GB storage capacity, but the double-sided version can hold up to 50GB of data. Early predictions for the popularity of Blu-Ray haven't panned out, and their use isn't as widespread as anticipated. This is probably the result of rapidly increasing broadband speeds and the growing popularity of online streaming in the US. However, Blu-Ray discs provide the largest storage capacity of any of today's three optical media archiving solutions. French research into Blu-Ray lifespan determined that Sony and Panasonic Blu-Ray (HTL) discs were the most reliable for archival purposes. The same study concluded that Blu-Ray (LTH) discs were not appropriate for digital archiving purposes.
Each of the different storage solutions offers a cheap and easy way of backing up your data. They allow you to have your data in a properly portable format and release you from total dependence on external services. However, while you should have a backup copy of your data in a physical archival format such as the three I have described, it should not be your only backup due to uncertainties about long-term data storage. So you would also be wise to additionally have an online digital backup in place as well.
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.
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