BS: Data Storage for a millenium, or 10!

Subject: BS: Data Storage for a millenium, or 10!
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Jun 20 - 03:55 AM

Just like paper is not durable enough to be handled with bare hands, but the older tech of vellum is.

Github (a Micro$oft company!) has a shaft in a disused mine in cold, cold Svalbard storing Open Source software on film. None of yer wimpy NANDflash silicon, or ferrous oxide spinning disks. And they write using QR codes no less.

The takeaway is threefold. Github owned by Micro$oft, 1000 year film of some special formulation, and QR codes.

In 1000 years, digital archeologist will be able to see the development of software much like we hubristically opine on Roman culture from the residual scratches on wooden tablets.

AND

They are working on etching with lasers on quartz glass that will have a 10 millennia life span. Ready in a couple of years.

SO

Don't rely on those external HDD, SSD, or memory sticks for more than 5 years worst case.

Subject: RE: BS: Data Storage for a millenium, or 10!
From: Jack Campin
Date: 14 Jun 20 - 09:37 AM

Problem is that Svalbard is warming faster than any other place on earth. Temperatures around 20C above the previous normal last week. The archival seed store there seems to be doomed.

Subject: RE: BS: Data Storage for a millenium, or 10!
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 12:03 PM

gone to seed?

Subject: RE: BS: Data Storage for a millenium, or 10!
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 12:52 PM

The most durable medium human civilization has yet invented is the plastic bag.

Print the archival data on any plastic product - poly bags, bubble wrap, fish crates and baby dummies. With appropriate redundancy and encoding techniques, future generations will be able to reconstruct our digital heritage after they go through enough washed-up flip-flops, tampon wrappers and soft drink bottles.