| Optical drives and optical juke boxes are the newest | | | | most experts agree that tape media should be |
| type of data storage solution, utilizing CDs and CDR's | | | | recopied every 25-30 years. |
| to store informational data. Many believe that optical | | | | Random data access comparison: optical disk vs. tape |
| drives and optical jukeboxes will be the replacement | | | | & hard disk |
| technology of magnetic tape drives while others are | | | | One main disadvantage with optical drives is that |
| skeptical of the technology as a viable solution for | | | | they are slower than magnetic tape in terms of |
| data storage. In this article we'll discuss the pros and | | | | random data access. Optical heads are heavy, about |
| cons of optical drives and optical jukeboxes as a data | | | | 100 grams, making them slow to retrieve data. Also |
| storage solution. | | | | contributing to the slower random data access is the |
| Longevity: optical disk vs. tape | | | | fact that the disks themselves are removable. |
| Data on optical disks is read via a laser as opposed | | | | Unlike hard disks that are fixed in place, optical disks |
| to tape media which must touch the read/write | | | | become loose and shaky beyond a certain number of |
| component directly. This means optical disks endure | | | | RPMs. If data access isn't a part of your daily data |
| less wear and tear during the read/write process. | | | | storage solution, then this limitation of optical drives |
| However, the construction of the optical disk, with its | | | | shouldn't cause a problem. However, those that have |
| soft exposed plastic media layer, makes optical disks | | | | a need to constantly call on stored data may need a |
| more prone to damage during storage and handling. | | | | data storage solution with faster random data access |
| Tape media on the other hand is completely encased | | | | time. |
| until inside the read/write devise. | | | | There is no universal "right" type of data storage |
| All data storage devices have a shelf life. Each type | | | | solution for every business. Depending on their |
| of media has a different shelf life, after which the | | | | specific data needs, each type of business is suited |
| data should be recopied onto new media. The opinion | | | | for a different type of solution. Optical drives, optical |
| on the shelf life of optical disks varies greatly | | | | jukeboxes, magnetic tape media, or hard disk |
| depending on who's offering the option. Some say | | | | storage each have a different set of pros and cons |
| that the data on optical disks is only good for 3 | | | | and each is ideal for one business while wrong for |
| years before it should be recopied, others say 100. | | | | another. For those unsure about which type of data |
| Most experts warn that the drive of optical disks is | | | | storage to choose, value-added resellers that offer a |
| very short, and to limit potential data loss disks | | | | wide range of brands and products are a good |
| should be recopied every 5 years or so. The opinion | | | | resource for free, professional consultation. |
| on shelf life for tape media is just as varied, though | | | | |