The problem of reliable and long-term data storage on low-cost storage devices is of great interest to developers around the world due to the rapid increase in the amount of information requiring long-term storage. Microsoft has achieved its first success in the implementation of Project Silica, whose goal is to create information storage media based on quartz glass.
The first real result of the efforts of Microsoft engineers was the recording of the digitally translated Superman movie, released in 1978, on the glass surface. A motion picture without quality reduction will be preserved for hundreds of years.
The use of crystalline quartz for storing information is due to two main reasons. Such media are based on a strong, wear-resistant and durable material that does not change its physical qualities for a long time. Solid quartz glass can withstand boiling in hot water, baking in the oven, microwaves, immersion in water, demagnetization and other environmental threats that can destroy priceless historical archives or cultural treasures. The second factor is the low cost of the material and its widespread availability.
The principle of storing data on quartz media is similar to recording on traditional vinyl records and CDs, though information is recorded using 3D laser engraving. However, rewriting or changing data is not possible. The number of readings of information, without any loss of quality is infinite. Such parameters turn quartz media into an ideal repository of a huge stock of data created by the mankind.
The unique properties of quartz media will allow you to store gigantic state archives, medical histories of all the inhabitants of the Earth, feature films, libraries and scientific data, the volumes of which are growing rapidly and require inexpensive and reliable storage.
