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.
Two main considerations will influence your choice of which type of optical media you'll use for creating a backup of your data. First, because data storage needs have rapidly increased, you'll need to make sure you choose the media that has the storage capacity you need. Second, the media you use must be safe and dependable, allowing you to access your data for the length of time you anticipate. The current choices for creating digital archives on optical media are DVD-R, CD-R and Blu-Ray disks.
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.
The fact that most storage problems encountered with optical media result from issues connected with the initial burning of the disc is something to always bear in mind. That's why it's so important to immediately verify the data on any newly burned optical media disk.
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 - These typically store 4.7GBs of data, although it is possible to get double-sided, double-layer discs that will store up to 17.08GB. The quality of the discs is a big factor in how long they will last, but in tests this has been shown to be anywhere between 2 and 15 years, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finding in its tests that there is greater variability with DVD-R in archival longevity then for CD-R. So, if your archival needs are modest then CD-R is probably a better choice.
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.
These storage solutions are cheap and they all provide an easy mechanism to create a digital archive of your data. Each type of disk is portable and reduces your reliance on a third-party archiving service. There are, however, some questions about long-term data storage using optical media. That's why I recommend having an online digital backup service in place as well as creating a physical digital archive of your data on one of these three types of optical media disks.
Two main considerations will influence your choice of which type of optical media you'll use for creating a backup of your data. First, because data storage needs have rapidly increased, you'll need to make sure you choose the media that has the storage capacity you need. Second, the media you use must be safe and dependable, allowing you to access your data for the length of time you anticipate. The current choices for creating digital archives on optical media are DVD-R, CD-R and Blu-Ray disks.
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.
The fact that most storage problems encountered with optical media result from issues connected with the initial burning of the disc is something to always bear in mind. That's why it's so important to immediately verify the data on any newly burned optical media disk.
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 - These typically store 4.7GBs of data, although it is possible to get double-sided, double-layer discs that will store up to 17.08GB. The quality of the discs is a big factor in how long they will last, but in tests this has been shown to be anywhere between 2 and 15 years, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finding in its tests that there is greater variability with DVD-R in archival longevity then for CD-R. So, if your archival needs are modest then CD-R is probably a better choice.
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.
These storage solutions are cheap and they all provide an easy mechanism to create a digital archive of your data. Each type of disk is portable and reduces your reliance on a third-party archiving service. There are, however, some questions about long-term data storage using optical media. That's why I recommend having an online digital backup service in place as well as creating a physical digital archive of your data on one of these three types of optical media disks.
About the Author:
Thank you to Josh at CD Aces for information on blank cdr other media used for business. 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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