Microsoft has pledged to develop future storage solutions capable of preserving data for over ten thousand years using glass materials similar to those used in heat-resistant Pyrex dishes.
Microsoft is on a quest to revolutionize data storage with a promise to create solutions that can retain data for a staggering ten thousand years, utilizing glass materials akin to those found in Pyrex. According to a report by TechRadar, the company has successfully managed to store 2.02 terabytes of data in a 2-millimeter thick glass wafer. While this marks a decrease in storage capacity compared to earlier experiments conducted under the 'Silica' project, Microsoft has made strides by replacing the costly silica materials with more affordable alternatives.
In addition to advancements in material, Microsoft has also improved data transfer rates, achieving speeds of 65.9 megabits per second using multiple parallel laser beams. This surpasses previous maximum speeds achieved by the project, which were just over 25 megabytes per second. These technical developments highlight Microsoft's commitment to modernizing data storage technology, showcasing both innovative materials and methods.
However, as reported by Nature magazine, the complexities involved in reading from and writing to glass disks are significantly greater than traditional disks, necessitating specialized equipment. This suggests a dual path of innovation: while the longevity of data storage presents an attractive prospect, the practical aspects of deployment and usability in everyday applications may require further advancements and support from the tech community.
