Dr Vishal Sharma
In these modern times, we inhabit two interconnected worlds-the physical as well as the digital. These realms are not separate, rather, they intersect and influence each other profoundly. While, it may seem surprising, our presence in the digital sphere holds equal significance to our physical existence. In fact, a sudden disappearance from the digital world can be perceived as a sign of our
demise in the real world.
One may wonder that what connects these two worlds, and the answer lies in memory – whether biological or digital. In the physical world, our identity, experiences, and sense of self are grounded in the memories stored within our brains. These memories shape how we navigate life, form relationships, and build personal histories. Similarly, in the digital world, our existence is tied to digital data-the virtual imprints we leave behind, often referred to as digital footprints. Every interaction, post, or transaction contributes to this accumulation of data, painting a comprehensive picture of who we are in the online realm. If these memories, both physical and digital, were erased, our sense of identity would unravel and we would find ourselves in a void, both physically and digitally. Therefore, data storage is essential for maintaining our existence in the physical as well as in the digital realm. Without the stored data, we would cease to exist in the digital space, much like losing our place in the physical world. Therefore, the importance of memory, whether in the form of neurons in the brain or digital storage on the cloud, is fundamental to maintaining our presence in both realms.
To fully grasp this concept, we must first understand the nature of data in both the physical and digital worlds. In the physical realm, data refers to a collection of facts, observations, and measurements. It encompasses everything from scientific measurements to historical records, personal experiences, and sensory perceptions. In the digital world, it’s composed of bits and bytes of information encoded as zeros and ones. Just as oil fuels the industrial world and drives economies, data fuels the digital world and propels the digital economy.
In a world of 8.12 billion people, with 5.44 billion connected to the internet, an astonishing 328.77 million terabytes of data are generated every day. This explosion of data is not just a byproduct of our online activity; it sustains our digital presence and identity. Activities such as sending emails, social media usage, video streaming, and online shopping contribute to this data surge. Moreover, the advancement in technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) fuel this data expansion. Data is the wealth of tomorrow and the power of the future. For instance, companies like Facebook and Google generate hundreds of billions of dollars from our data. It is clear that every move we make on the internet generates data, which is extremely valuable to someone. By 2025, it’s estimated that 463 exabytes of data will be created daily worldwide which is approximately equivalent to 238,418,579 SSDs of 2TB per day. Therefore, data storage is crucial for maintaining a continuous connection with the digital world.
Since the dawn of the digital age, storage devices have undergone constant evolution. In the 1800s, punched cards held a mere 80 bytes of information. Subsequently, the 1950s and 1960s, saw the rise of magnetic tape and disk storage. By the 1980s, floppy disks and hard drives dominated, with 3.5-inch floppy disks holding 1.44 MB and hard drives evolving to store even more. The 1990s saw the rise of CD-ROMs with 650 MB of storage, followed by DVDs in 1996 with 4.5 GB, and Blu-ray technology in 2003 with even higher capacities. USB flash drives appeared in 2000, offering up to several terabytes. Around the same time, SSDs, using flash memory, gained traction, becoming the primary storage for most devices due to their speed and reliability. Cloud storage also emerged, enabling data to be saved on remote servers accessible via the internet. Most recently, researchers from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, announced a groundbreaking technology by developing a DVD-sized optical disc capable of storing 1.6 petabits of data which is 24 times that of the most advanced hard disks. This innovation could revolutionize data storage, although challenges in writing speed and energy efficiency remain.
As we navigate these parallel worlds-the physical and digital-it becomes clear that our real-world experiences and digital footprints are deeply interdependent. Without the digital world, much of our modern society would come to a standstill, and without the physical world, our digital advancements would have no foundation. As data becomes the lifeblood of our existence that connects these two realms, the continued evolution of storage, computing, and connectivity is vital. Advancements in storage technology, from punched cards to latest breakthrough of 1.6 petabits DVD, highlight the need for innovative solutions to manage the growing surge of information. Emerging technologies like quantum computers, DNA-based storage systems, and molecular memory are set to meet future storage demands. In embracing these digital advancements, we not only ensure our continuous presence in the digital world but also enrich our real-world experiences. As the boundaries between these two realms blur, our existence becomes more interconnected, leading to a future where our physical and digital lives are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the human experience in ways we are only beginning to understand. Ultimately, the strength of our digital foundation is what will empower a truly interconnected, resilient, and enriched human experience.
(The author is Fulbright Fellow and Head of Electronics & IT GCW Udhampur)
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