May 13, 2004
Johns Hopkins University(JHU), Applied Physics Laboratory(APL)
Laural, Maryland
(Thanks to Victor McCrary and Raeanne Tennyson at JHU-APL for being great hosts.)

Nick Zihlman: Physical Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey
"Use of robotic CD-R / DVD-R jukeboxes and the Internet to provide access to the NPRA Legacy Data Archives"
Presentation followed by live demonstration - See Abstract and Bio below.
PowerPoint Slides in pdf format

Michael A Hall, Business Development Manager, Sony Electronics, Data Storage Products Division
"Overview of Sony’s current blue laser products"
Presentation followed by Q&A (encouraging an active and open dialog)
PowerPoint Slides in pdf format

Zihman: Abstract
The National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska (NPRA), has been explored for oil and gas resources since the early 1900's, and a variety of geological and geophysical information has been generated. The last major exploration program ran from 1974 to 1982, and resulted in more than 12,000 line miles of seismic data and data from 28 exploratory wells, at a cost of almost $1bn dollars in public funds. The physical volume of data and information generated by this exploration program presented significant problems of storage, distribution, and use. Furthermore, data were in danger of loss because of the deterioration of the recording media from age or damage to single copies. The NPRA Legacy Data Archive, part of the National Energy Research Seismic Library (NERSL), was formed to address the problems of storage and preservation of these data, as well as improving public access. Using Compact Disc Recordable (CD-R) and DVD Recordable (DVD-R) technologies, robotic CD-R / DVD-R jukeboxes, and the Internet, these data and associated information, virtually non-existent because of storage and distribution problems, are now available 24 hours per day, seven days a week, to anyone having Internet access.

Zihlman: Biography
Nick Zihlman has worked with optical storage technology since 1989. A Physical Scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Nick has played a key role in the development and operations of the National Energy Research Seismic Library (NERSL), a program to rescue geophysical data and documentation from deteriorating media, archive it to CD-R, and now DVD-R media, and make it available over the Internet
(http://nerslweb.cr.usgs.gov).

Nick received a BS degree (Biology) from the University of Maryland, 1978, and an MCIS in Information Systems from the University of Denver, University College, in 1995. He is a member of AIIM International and the DVD Association. He currently lives and works near Denver, Colorado, USA.

Hall: Abstract
Presentation to GIPWoG will provide an overview of Sony’s current blue laser products, comparison with other optical formats, and an outlook of what can be expected beyond the recently released 23GB offering.

Hall: Biography
Michael Hall leads Sony Electronics’ new blue laser Professional Disc for DATA business and market activities through their Data Storage Products Division, which has also fostered the development of CD, DVD, and now Blue Laser optical storage technology.
With over 25 years experience in the data storage industry, Hall carries a depth of technology and market knowledge that spans disk, tape and optical, and provides a solid perspective of how the technologies are applied to address the challenges of information storage and digital preservation.
Currently with Sony Electronics, Hall has also held management positions at Philips Electronics and other leading data storage technology companies. He is active in a number of industry associations such as AIIM, OSTA, and SIA, and has participated in mission critical data storage related programs in the government including the IRS Scripts, PERMS, Patent Office, Space Telescope and DOD Q-70.

Hall holds degrees in Computer Science and Business Management, and values the opportunity to apply his experience through initiatives with industry technologists and business professionals.

email: mike.hall@am.sony.com
Sony's New Blue Laser Optical Disc Product!
http://www.sony.com/bluelaser

If you are interested in attending the next GIPWoG meeting, email: gipwog@nist.gov.