History
In the early 90s, various prestigious companies embarked on an ambitious project of developing a Super Density optical disk. Digital Versatile Disk or DVDs, as we commonly call them, were the answer to this intense research and development effort involving the state of the art companies such as Toshiba, Philips and Sony. Though DVDs were initially intended to serve as a substitute for VHS tapes, but, with the passage of time they gained popularity as an effective storage and backup media in their own right. By 1997, DVDs were universally accepted as an efficient backup media. DVDs are increasingly replacing CDs and tapes as a backup media and the market for DVDs is growing at a fast pace of 200 percent per year. In the year 2007, the percentage share of DVDs to CDs was estimated to be 15% to 85%. By 2009, this figure is expected to shoot up by 40% to 60%.
Configuration of a DVD
It took the inventors twenty five long years to graduate from CDs to DVDs. Just like a CD, the data on a DVD is stored on a spiral track that runs from the centre of a DVD to the outside. However, a DVD can store about seven times more data as compared to a CD. The reason for this exceptionally high capacity is the special configuration of a DVD as compared to a CD. The data storing pits and tracks on a DVD are very small as compared to a CD. Thus a DVD allows for high density data storage. Unlike a CD, in a DVD not much space is wasted in storing extra information for error correction. Thus, a DVD has less overhead and more data storage area. Finally, a DVD has a provision for multi layer data storage. All these attributes make DVDs especially suitable for backing up data and information.
Advantages of Using DVDs as a Backup Media
1) Cost Effective
Almost all the new computers come with a DVD writer. One can easily buy a DVD writer from the market for less then $100. As compared to other media, DVDs offer the most cost effective backup for every byte of data.
2) DVDs are Cheap
The price of the DVDs is continuously plummeting since the last few years. DVDs can easily be purchased from the market at a reasonable price.
3) Hardy
DVDs make up a tough backup media and are reasonably resistant to mishandling, scratches, finger prints and exposure to high temperature and humidity.
4) Reliable
Over the years DVDs have proven to be a reliable media for data backup. It is very easy and convenient to access the data stored on a DVD.
5) Easy to Install and Operate
One does not require any special expertise to use a DVD writer. DVD writing program can easily be installed on any computer.
6) Easy Availability
DVD writers and DVDs are easily available in almost all the shops and markets dealing in computer ware. One can easily buy and install a DVD writer on his computer.
7) High Capacity
DVDs offer a very high storage capacity as compared to other media such as CDs. A single-sided/single layer DVD can backup up to 4.38 GB of data. A double-sided/double- layer DVD can backup up to 15.9GB of data. With the latest high capacity dual layer technology, the storage capacity of DVDs is expected to increase even further.
8) Offsite Backups
DVDs are much more handy and portable as compared to tape cartridges and can easily be transported to any off site location for disaster recovery purposes.
9) Compact Backup
DVDs do not require much storage area and a number of them can conveniently be stored on a single spindle.
10) Multiple Copies
A user can make multiple copies of his vital data, using DVDs. This ensures a much safer and secure backup.
11) Easy to Restore
In case of a data disaster, the computer networks can easily be restored using the data backed up on the DVDs.
12) Instant Random Access
DVDs offer an instant random access to the data saved on them. The needed data can be retrieved on demand. Access to data is independent of the sequence in which the files are stored on a DVD.
Considering all the above mentioned factors, it would be true to say that DVDs can serve as an effective backup media and will continue to serve their purposes for the years to come. They satisfy almost all the criteria expected from a successful backup media. If your data loss is the result of malicious damage or hacking you made need the services of a Computer Forensics (or Digital Forensics) expert.