Digital Storage Media

Digital storage media are in a state of rapid change. As of yet nothing is truly archival. In actual use we need to redefine the concept of archival as pertaining to digital media. Accessibility and flexibility are the defining concerns. In light of its transient nature digital media are better understood in terms of life cycles.

CDs are the current staple of the digital world. In general, average CD and CD-R will have a life-span of 70 years if stored in dark environment with a temperature not to exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to Kodak, Photo CD and Writable CD fully recorded on the Kodak PCD Writer series will have a lifetime of greater than 217 years in dark storage at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, 40% RH . Other optical devices have similar specifications.

Magnetic media (floppies, Zips, and hard disk drives) life is 5 to 10 years. Copying and re-recording on new media should add another 5 to 10 years barring electrostatic discharges, magnetic fields, or excessive heat.

Note: Magnetic media may become obsolete in 5 to 10 years and accessibility to play back data will become an issue. It is wise to migrate archived files to newer media types as they become available.