Free Article: Holographic Data Storage

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What is Holographic Data Storage?
By Alan Tennant

Since the 1980's, people with computers use compact disks (CD's) to store multiple megabytes of information into a disc with a diameter of twelve centimeters. Around 1997, an improvement in the compact discs gave way to the development of the DVD (digital versatile disc) that enabled users to store an entire movie in a single disc.

CD's and DVD's successfully provide users with a capacity that can meet many of their needs, such as storing a collection of music, movies, videos and other data that requires a large amount of space. Now, scientists have developed the latest optical storage medium, known as holographic data storage, to increase storage capabilities and keep pace with the consumers' demands.

Unlike CD's, DVD's and other magnetic storage that stores information directly on the surface of the recording medium, holographic data storage goes beneath the surface of the medium by using the full depth of a recording media for storage. This means that instead of storing one data bit at a time, holographic data storage allows your computer to write and read a million bits of data with just one flash of light. As a result, you will experience a faster transfer rate compared to other optical storages.

Holographic data storage not only provides a faster transfer rate, it also becomes a compelling alternative for storage because of its high storage density, durability, reliability and affordability. In addition, the flexibility of technology used in holographic data storage can be used in other products that could range from consumer portable devices to information storage for businesses. As the technology evolves, you can expect to own a credit card with 20 gigabytes (GB) of storage or a single disc containing 300 GB in the near future.

Holographic Data Storage for your Computer

After thirty years of trial and error in researching and developing a desktop holographic storage system (HDSS), the technology will be released into the market soon. Compared to early devices used for holographic data storage with capacities of 120 GB and transfer raters of 40 megabytes per second, the HDSS will provide 1terabyte of storage at a 1 GB transfer rate. With these measurements, a consumer can easily transfer an entire movie onto a disc in about thirty seconds.

Although the holographic data storage for your computers is not yet released for the public because of different technical problems that needs to be resolved, scientists and researchers are ensuring that the technology will be launched within no more than five years. While a few years can be a great wait for this technology to be integrated in electronics, a disc with a capacity 28 times larger than the DVD's of today is truly worth the wait.

Author Details:
Alan Tennant writes about his interest in computers and their use in business. Some important related subjects such as data backup are often overlooked in the business sector.
Visit http://www.statesecurities.plc.uk/ for business finance.

Source: Business & Finance Article Directory

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