G'day,

Don O'Malley asked:

>.......I wanted to raise a related question as to whether or not CDs will
be around in 10 years......

As I understand it, DVD readers will also read CD_Roms. So it seems the
CD_Rom format will be readable for quite some time to come. So there is no
need to panic! :)

Simon Watkins wrote:
>Fortunately, we have resolved this problem using DVDRAM drives.  They
became
>available in the middle of last year.  In fact given the self-serving
>conflicts between the forums, in which the DVDRAM standards were
>established, the fact they were available last year is something of a
>surprise.

Simon,
How sound are DVDRAM format(s)?  Has the "self-serving conflicts"
complicated the issue such that there is numerous "standards" so that
compatibility problems may arise? Or are the standards nailed down tight?

Another alternative to data storage. Our institute has just installed a RAID
(Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks). This is an equipment rack with rows
and rows of standard hardisks. The computer guys tell me it ours has 200
Giga Bytes of disk space at the moment. Two independent power supplies, and
backs up data automatically on other hard drives within the unit. In theory
as disks should become larger and cheaper, these disks can be added to or
replaced at little cost! Bottomless disk storage they suggest! Although
after I told them that I could easily create a single 100MByte file in a
sitting their confidence in being able to out pace data storage demand with
new disks was dented! :) But it certainly seems an interesting labour saving
alternative (labour saving for me anyway). I'll still be getting my data
backed up on to two copies on CD for the time being (no DVD writer here at
the moment anyway). I suppose with a RAID box there are still
transportability problems.

Cheers


Stephen H. Cody,
Colon Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory,
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research,
Post Office Royal Melbourne Hospital,
Parkville, Victoria 3055, Australia.

Tel: 61 3 9341 3155   Fax: 61 3 9341 3104
email: [log in to unmask]
www.ludwig.edu.au/confocal