OT: Archiving data (LONG)

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_netcom.com>
Date: Wed May 31 18:42:04 2000

On Wed, 31 May 2000, Sellam Ismail wrote:

> On Wed, 31 May 2000 CLASSICCMP_at_trailing-edge.com wrote:
>
> > I think mike was talking about storing data on photographic film, like

  [snip]

>
> Yes, but how long can we expect the film to last?


  Direct research data from the realm of film preservation and
restoration suggests that, for properly manufactured and properly
processed Estar-based films, useable life is over 150 years, given
reasonable (office environment) storage.

  Some benefits are good info density, very simple electro-optical
reading system, and a 'fail-soft' degradation mode... with
well-known error correction algorithms the film can be pretty well
hashed up before total data loss occurs.

  Interested folk can look to the Library of Congress, who are
spearheading the film preservation work in this country.

  Cheers

John
Received on Wed May 31 2000 - 18:42:04 BST