The general public has been slow to adopt the newest technologies such as Blu-Ray , solid state drives, and even high definition flat screen televisions in large part due to the cost of these emerging technologies. In recent years the other factor has been that computer and electronics standards have continually changed with no signs of becoming stable. No one wants to invest in technology that will be obsolete or incompatible with the majority in a month. Because of this instability and incompatibility in the electronics and computer field, there are few universally accepted choices for backing up or distributing any and all media.

Hard drive manufacturing technology has not changed in well over 15 years. The only basic differences today from 20 years ago is that better precision and larger capacities have been achieved. Hard drives though are still just for mass storage and not for distributing information to the masses.

DVDs and CDs have enjoyed worldwide success in promoting and conveying information to businesses, schools, libraries, government agencies, etc. With the large majority of individuals having access to a computer at home or library, many employers and individuals have relied on CDs and DVDs for training materials or personal media for friends and family. This has been the case for 15 plus years and will continue at least for another 15 years. The DVD and CD is the only mainstream medium that has enjoyed such a long duration other than the printed word. Cassettes, Vinyl, 8-track, mini-discs, zip disks, floppies, etc. have all gone by the wayside.

Looking towards a newer medium such as portable flash drives, called thumb drives, to replace DVD and CDs will not be a realistic achievement until every electronic device that handles any type of computer or electronics signal is standardized and able to accept this format. This won't happen until every major manufacturer of televisions, computers, smart cell phones, any hand-held PDA, and even telephones come together to unify and agree to utilize the same standard interface and technology. While this goes against capitalism, anti-trust, and anti-monopolistic attitudes, it is the case. While this would greatly facilitate consumers adopting the newest technology and usher in a new era of communication, it would eliminate potential profit lines for every manufacturer. The profit makers are the accessories that every piece of electronics can use. Without one standard, consumers are forced to buy additional drives, plugs, adapters and so on in order for one device to communicate with others. This would be akin to shooting your own foot.

A leap forward in technology is needed in storage and information transmission which is affordable, reliable, and adopted by the masses. Cloud computing is that next potential, but has not been proven to be as secure or reliable as the DVD or CD. Until that point has been reached, it can be safely said that DVD and CDs will continue to enjoy widespread success for years to come..

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