Sustainable Data Management: Indefinite Static Data at Rest with Machine-Readable Printed Optical Data Sheets (MRPODS)

Abstract: In an era where both commercial and private sectors place a premium on the longevity of digital data storage, the imperative to bolster resilience of digital information while simultaneously curbing costs and reducing failure rates becomes paramount. This study delves into the unique attributes of optical encoding methodologies, which are poised to offer enduring stability for digital data. Despite their promising potential, there remains a notable dearth of comprehensive analyses comparing various optical encoding techniques in terms of their durability. This research is thus dedicated to exploring the financial and environmental implications of employing technology to transcribe digital data into a machine-readable optical format, assessing both the advantages and limitations inherent in this approach. Our empirical findings reveal a marked increase in the efficiency of machine-readable optical encoding over conventional digital storage methods, particularly as the volume of data diminishes and the expected lifespan of storage extends indefinitely. This paper aims to illuminate key aspects of long-term digital data storage within business contexts, focusing on aspects such as cost, dependability, legibility, and confidentiality of optically encoded digital information.