As devices (DASD, tape, etc.) and media change format or simply age, how
do you ensure you can read what's recorded?
How do you migrate data across changing device types/characteristics?
How much does device topology matter for that? What happens when you
change backup tools/technology? Has your data ever been "left behind"?
Are backup (likely recent data and relatively transient lifetime) and
archive (long-term or permanent storage) handled differently?
How long do you assume tapes will be readable? Are they stored to
maximize storage integrity? How?
Have you had a data storage problem or catastrophe (earthquake, fire,
smoke, Halon, etc.)? Lost data? Used a recovery service such as
http://www.drivesaversdatarecovery.com/? They have interesting recovery
stories like this:
http://www.drivesaversdatarecovery.com/blog/star-trek-the-lost-files/
These issues can be for personal computing or music (e.g., it's tough
reading 5 1/4 floppies or playing eight-track tapes) but I'm more
interested in mainframe experiences for this.
On the boundary between personal and professional areas -- and speaking
of floppy discs and eight-track tapes -- I wonder how many of us have
tape reels, cartridges, or data cell strips that we'll never be able to
read but will never discard. Why is that?
Are there other media issues to cover? (I'll include a paper tape
storage disaster in the story...)
As usual, please copy replies directly to me so they're not buried in
list digests.
Thanks...
--
Gabriel Goldberg, Computers and Publishing, Inc. [email protected]
3401 Silver Maple Place, Falls Church, VA 22042 (703) 204-0433
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gabegold Twitter: GabeG0
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