The customers view of Optical Storage

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• The customers view of Optical Storage
• R J Longman
• 12th Dec 2004

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• The customer view of Optical Storage
• Consumers
• CD/DVD based on replicated standards multiple
  sources - cost, name brands
• Professional Users
• How long will it last?
• How much does it cost?
• How do I maintain it?
• Hardware life cycle management
• I dont care what the storage technology is ????

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Where does Optical fit ?
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The customer perspective of Optical

• Some customers care about technology but they are
  not the majority
• Customers ask the supplier to solve their
  business needs typically focussed on storage
  retention time, availability
• Some customers have a check list which may
  specify the technology
• Increasingly customers are asking how they can
  verify the quality of the archived data
• Methods are under discussion in standards groups

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Issues to be addressed by a new technology

• Barriers exist which slow down the adoption of a
  new technology
• Users have to be comfortable with the technology
  the validation of adoption by a major user
  adds momentum
• Standards help in some market sectors but no-one
  wants to be first !
• If it looks different from existing products
  there are major issues in achieving rapid
  adoption media, drive, device driver -
  application
• The major barriers come from entrenched suppliers
  with well established technologies
• Major companies have a huge investment in their
  technology
• They will adapt their offerings to meet market
  need - WORM tape and RAID
• It is a tough job to get into established markets
  small specialist companies nibble around the
  edges!

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Thank you