Half the world's data is stored in hard drives

[Resurrection]

The Microsoft Update: Half the world's data is stored in hard drives


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The Journal of Science this year completed a study of 20-years of data storage. They found that, by 2007, the world had squirreled away 295 exabytes of data ... which works out to 295 billion gigabytes.

In 2007, nearly half of that was in hard drives. It will be intersecting to see how the cloud changes this dynamic. Today, people have access to cloud storage options galore like DropBox, Microsoft SkyDrive, Google Docs, Flickr, iCloud, Yahoo, Apple's new iCloud and so on. The study concluded that capacity is doubling every three years and by 2011, the world will be hanging onto some 600 exabytes of data. Yowza!

Here's a graphic that shows the results of the 20-year study compiled by enterprise online backup provider Mozy.



Click to enlarge -> http://www.networkworld.com/Micronet...nfographic.gif

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[SealLion]

Content might be stored on hard drives but it might also be said that when some of this content is left on google-docs, that same info is available via internet just by searching. On content that's left on MS SkyDrive, I wouldn't bet that if I held any of my material on their servers it wouldn't be secure based on the premises of the user agreement and that MS can, could, and would provide any data from people to outside parties:

The information we collect may be combined with information obtained from other Microsoft services and other companie

and then this, too

Use of Your Personal Information:
Personal information collected on Microsoft sites and services may be stored and processed in the United States or any other country in which Microsoft or its affiliates, subsidiaries or service providers maintain facilities. Microsoft abides by the safe harbor framework as set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding the collection, use, and retention of data from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland.

Sharing of Your Personal Information......We may access or disclose information about you, including the content of your communications, in order to: (a) comply with the law or respond to lawful requests or legal process;.......

So, yes. Data and information might be stored externally from one's HDD as well as online via an external server service, but be careful b/c your data and sensitive information is subject to the eyes of others. All this is directly available via MS SkyDrives Privacy Policy.