+ The Never Ending Data Storage Problem

A big discussion on the adoption of the new Blu Ray Disc format is happening with Time Warner now on board with the format.

This is the kind of technology that I think is important and I’m glad someone is worrying about it, but it doesn’t interest me at all. It’s very clear that very soon after the adoption of Blu Ray, Blu Ray will become obsolete. Its a hang-me-tight technology that is useful only as a short-term, expendable storage solution. 

For me the interesting question leads to the unresolved problem of long-term data storage. What medium can we store our data on that will last securely without rotting or becoming demagnetized for more than 10 years? How many people have listened to Abbey Road on Vinyl, tapes, disks and chips?