People wish to keep their photos and their records for lifetime or even generations, yet many appear unconcerned about the fact that in a few years' time current devices and on-line services may no longer be in use, and even the file formats might not be supported. Old fashioned printed books and documents are still the best. Fortunately they are much easier to produce now..
Our Survwy
Incartek has conducted a survey on behalf of OPUS albums and found out that:
41% of responders say their photos should be kept and found the rest of their lives.
56% of responders say that they should be kept for 'generations'
Only 3% said they should be kept for 10 years or less.
We have also placed polls on a number of forums asking for thoughts on how long files can be read. Not significant enough yet, but
40% thought that computers in 2020 would be able to read current CD’s and JPG files.
50% thought that they would be able to read JPG files but NOT current CD’s.
10% thought that neither CD’s nor JPG files would be supported.
What is your opinion? E-mail me. (daniel@incartek.com)
We asked Microsoft for their view. This is the response of a spokesperson:
"Microsoft has always spent a huge amount of time and resources in providing backward compatibility, wherever possible, in its products. We will continue to take this approach. However, it is impossible for any technology company to see as far into the future as 2020 with the degree of certainty suggested."
Even they can’t be sure. I think you get the point.
We also placed a poll Will photo-share (like Flikr) and video-share (like You Tube) be around in 20 years time? – with the responses
Both of these services will be doing fine (even if they've changed ownership or name)
Yes this sort of thing will be around - but those particular services will have gone (with their databases)
No - things will have moved on by then. Something else will be the rage
No - we'll be back to pen and paper
We have not yet received enough responses on this one. Your comments are welcome.
Our Conclusions
Our times are in God’s hands we know; how long the ‘rest of our lives are’ we don’t know. Some readers, not me, might hope to live to 2080 – generations would mean 100 years or more! Can one foresee the electronic media that would be around then? CD’s will have gone the way of the floppy and tape cassette. If one wants to keep your records indefinitely, electronic media – at home or at a central repository – cannot be relied on. One thing is for sure though – well printed documents on archival acid free papers with permanent (pigmented) ink should last, especially if kept in a good environment. This is where companies like OPUSalbums.com come in.
OPUSalbums.com is a specialist in home and office printed albums, scrapbooks, creative and archival papers. It is part of Ink Cartridge Technologies Ltd, Rochester, England.
Incartekis a specialist management consultancy specialising in the imaging supplies industry. It is associated with Excelsis Enterprises, a full range consultancy.
Daniel Roberts has been in the supplies and peripherals aftermarket for 30 years holding senior management positions
PS Ecademists can still contribute to these polls:
How long do you wish to keep your best digital photos
Will Windows 2020 support .JPG files?
Will Windows 2020 support current CD’s
Will Flikr and You Tube be around in 20 years time?
or enter the full questionnaire
http://www.oneminutepoll.com/OneMinutePoll/OneMinuteSurvey.aspx?SID=-2147482248
©Daniel Roberts – July 2007
Business Builder
Incartek (Ink Cartridge Technologies Ltd)
email: daniel@incartek.com
Personal website: www.incartek.com
E-commerce websites:
www.OPUSalbums.com
- print-your-own albums for digital photographers
www.photo4.biz - creative papers - you have to look us up to appreciate the range!
Author of "What day is Brand Freedom Day?"Make a great Photo Album (or Digital Scrapbook) yourself“Make a great Photo Album (or Digital Scrapbook) yourself”
