Backup is a word that has become synonymous with online solutions. Having a physical copy of your data in the form of optical media is a wise decision: it DE-centralizes the data and means that access to it is not dependent on your computer, it removes dependence on third-party backup services, and it establishes a means by which data can be independently transferred 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.
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 - 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.
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.
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 - 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.
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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