“A laser encodes data in glass by creating layers of three-dimensional nanoscale gratings and deformations at various depths and angles. Machine learning algorithms read the data back by decoding images and patterns that are created as polarized light shines through the glass,” writes Microsoft in its description of how Project Silica works. CD can sometimes maintain information for 1-2 centuries supplied that the disc is saved correctly. After that, the plastic bodily layer decays, dropping information integrity. Project Silica, alternatively, is designed to be resilient not simply in a field, but in addition outdoors it. The media can “withstand being boiled in hot water, baked in an oven, microwaved, flooded, scoured, demagnetized and other environmental threats that can destroy priceless historic archives or cultural treasures if things go wrong,” says Microsoft.
So what does a cloud computing firm need to do with a super-durable optical storage media? Everything. We predict Microsoft may to pitch Project Silica as its proprietary high-endurance cold-storage medium to prospects who need it. This will come particularly useful for purchasers just like the U.S. Military, which just lately contracted Microsoft to construct the JEDI Cloud. Project Silica is not simply on paper, Microsoft Azure has been capable of efficiently retailer and retrieve the Warner Bros movie “Superman” on a proof-of-concept manufactured from quartz glass. The firm will work with Warner Bros to ultimately copy its huge asset library spanning tons of of movies throughout hundreds of movie reels, onto the brand new media.
