DANOK: Long term migration free storage of digital audio data on microfilm

The long term storage of digital data appears as one of the most challenging tasks in the further development of the IT world. Up to now, no technology guarantees secure long term storage of digital data without permanent migration to counter the continuous evolution of proprietary digital storage media and formats. We present an alternative approach by using durable microfilm in combination with a simple retrieval concept for digital data. The long term stability of the microfilm medium is a necessary prerequisite for the migration-free storage of digital data. In the DANOK project we have demonstrated that it is possible to record digital data on microfilm and that those data can be retrieved. We report about the laser recording technique, the characterization of the color microfilm fo r the use of digital data storage and about the test for data retrieval. The experience from DANOK led to the development of the concept "Bits on Film". We give a perspective on further improvements using monochromatic microfilm and increased data transfer rates and data density. In conclusion we identify the applications which can benefit most from the use of "Bits on film".