A write once read many (WORM) disk, also known as a WORM drive or Write-Once disk, refers to a type of data storage medium specifically designed for permanent and unalterable data storage. It is a type of optical disk that allows data to be written onto it only once, and then the information can be read multiple times without any modification.
The concept behind a WORM disk is to provide a secure and tamper-proof method of storing data, ensuring that once written, the information cannot be altered, deleted, or modified in any way. This makes it highly useful for archiving important or legally sensitive data where integrity and authenticity are crucial.
WORM disks utilize specialized write mechanisms that physically alter the surface of the disk during the writing process, thus creating permanent marks or pits that can be read back by laser technology. The data is stored in a non-rewritable format, making it highly resistant to accidental or intentional erasure.
WORM disks often have a considerably larger storage capacity compared to other types of storage media. They are commonly used in industries such as finance, healthcare, legal, and government sectors, where regulatory requirements demand long-term data retention and data immutability.
Advancements in technology have led to the development of rewritable optical disks, such as CD-RW and DVD-RW, which allow data to be erased and rewritten multiple times. However, the WORM disk remains a popular choice for applications that require permanent data storage with strict write-once read-many access.
