March 12, 2024 (Santa Clara, CA) — The DNA Data Storage Alliance, a group led by Catalog Technologies, Inc., Quantum Corporation, Twist Bioscience Corporation, and Western Digital, has unveiled its initial specifications for storing essential vendor and CODEC information in a DNA data archive. The CODEC plays a crucial role in converting digital data to DNA and vice versa.
Contrary to traditional storage mediums like tape, HDD, and SSD, DNA lacks a fixed physical structure, built-in controller, or linear addressing system. As a result, an alternative mechanism is necessary to initiate the reading or “booting up” process of a DNA archive. The SNIA DNA Archive Rosetta Stone (DARS) working group, one of four groups within the DNA Data Storage Alliance dedicated to establishing standards for DNA data storage systems, has developed two specifications to assist archive readers in locating the sequence required to start booting up the data.
The two specifications are referred to as Sector Zero and Sector One. Sector Zero outlines the minimum information needed for the archive reader to identify the CODEC utilized to encode Sector One, along with a reference to the company or organization responsible for synthesizing or “writing” the DNA. This data enables access to the information in Sector One and identifies the CODEC used for the primary archive content. The Sector One specification includes details such as content descriptions, a file table, and parameters for transfer to a sequencer.
“One of the DNA Data Storage Alliance’s primary objectives is to establish and publish specifications and standards that foster the growth of an interoperable DNA data storage ecosystem,” stated Dave Landsman, a member of the DNA Data Storage Alliance Board of Directors. “With the release of the Alliance’s initial specifications, we are taking a significant step toward achieving that objective. Sector Zero and Sector One are now publicly accessible, allowing companies operating in this field to adopt and implement them.”
Introducing the DNA Data Storage Alliance
Established in October 2020, the DNA Data Storage Alliance aims to create and promote an interoperable storage environment centered around manufactured DNA as a storage medium. The Alliance is dedicated to: 1) educating the storage industry and the general public about this emerging technology; 2) identifying key technical obstacles in the underlying technologies to drive funding and research for commercialization; and 3) developing standards and specifications (such as encoding, physical interfaces, data retention, and file systems) to facilitate the growth of an interoperable DNA data storage product ecosystem. Stay updated with the DNA Data Storage Alliance on Twitter (@DNADataStorage), LinkedIn, and through their website at www.dnastoragealliance.org. In 2022, the Alliance became a Technology Affiliate of SNIA.
About SNIA
SNIA is a non-profit global organization comprised of corporations, » …
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