Let's talk archival solutions

If you are that paranoid I would use a cloud based service that guarantees your data

quote:

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I am considering a long-term, yearly solution that would include an alternative backup plan - like using high capacity blue ray discs.

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Blu ray disks are probably about on par with hard drives as far as cost/GB, but the downsides are many:

1. Manual disk swapping and storage of physical disks
2. Rewriting is a pain for files that change often
3. Difficult/impossible to keep version history
4. Scratches/cracks can destroy data
5. They degrade over time unless you go to great lengths to store them in a pristine environment

Probably a lot more...




The cloud solves pretty much all of these problems, and is probably a lot cheaper over the long run (and it definitely saves time). The chance of losing your data is nearly zero, because cloud services keep multiple copies of your data (and any service worth a shite will spread those copies geographically in case of disaster), and whenever one copy corrupts or a hard drive fails, the software "heals" itself and replicates the files again.

Rather than going through the hassle and expense (both time and money) of setting up a blu ray system, I would just use two cloud services in case one goes out of business. If you're worried about who can access your files, you can always set up your own local cloud, but then you would have to handle the off-site part yourself.

I agree with everything Korkstand said. If you have something important to save, always have at least 2 backups! In 2 different locations!

If you have your backup(s) in-house and have a fire, you lose your computers and all of your backups!

Two backups with one company do no good if the company has trouble. Then both of your backups are at risk.

"You are only as good as your last backup"!