Long term data retention

I spent some time earlier this week talking to COPAN. They produce high density storage systems, but not the sort of arrays you'd use for traditional data storage. Their product is pitched at the long term persistent storage market.

I'm sure you can read the website if you're interested however, I hadn't really thought through what this kind of technology could deliver. There are some fundamental issues the storage of "persistent" data needs to be sorted. For instance; how do you validate the data on your disk will still be there when you come to read it 12 months later? (disk Aerobics is the answer apparently; regular validation of disk content).

So, the target market for COPAN is long term data archive. They want you to keep your data on disk. Personally, I think if the price is right, then backup data on disk is a sensible proposition. Today's network connectivity and encryption technology means data doesn't need to be physically moved any longer. In fact, I'd suggest that removing the need to physically move data is the way forward. Disk-based data is inherently more reliable and accessible. COPAN (and others) have plenty of features that can make disk-based backup work.

Don't move the media. Just move the data. Sounds like a good strapline.