This expertise combines magnetic and optical ideas for information storage. A laser heats a small space on the disc floor, permitting a magnetic area to put in writing information. Studying information entails a lower-powered laser detecting the magnetic polarization of the disc floor. This methodology as soon as provided a compelling mix of excessive capability and rewritability, distinguishing it from read-only optical media like CDs and write-once media like WORM discs. It was continuously used for archiving and backup as a result of its perceived longevity and information integrity.
Providing a stability between capability and rewritability, this strategy addressed the restrictions of earlier optical storage applied sciences. Its perceived robustness and resistance to environmental components made it interesting for long-term storage, notably in skilled settings the place information preservation was paramount. Whereas outmoded by newer applied sciences like flash reminiscence and onerous disk drives, its function within the evolution of information storage is important. Its affect might be seen within the ongoing pursuit of sturdy, high-capacity storage options.