JOHAN STEYN: DNA could revolutionise data storage
Our digital footprint is increasing at a rate beyond our capacity to store it on conventional hard drives
Suppose you could fit all of the films that have ever been created into a single test tube. The idea is reminiscent of science fiction, but it actually provides a glimpse into the future of data storage. We are now confronted with an overwhelming amount of digital material, which includes anything from videos of cats to photographs of babies, tweets, Google Docs and far more.
The size of our digital footprint is increasing at an exponential rate, beyond our capacity to store it on conventional hard drives. Despite its limits in terms of longevity and space efficiency, magnetic tape, which is evocative of VHS and cassette tapes, continues to maintain a significant portion of our digital archives...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.