ITinfo: Lossless Data Compression

Site Directory
Membership
Train-the-Trainer
Trainer Certification
Certified Training Materials
ITinfo E-zine
Responsible Training
White Papers
Trainer Resources
What's New
Speaking Engagements
Onsite Training
ITrain Gear

Smaller & Accurate

Higher compression with total fidelity

ITinfo Sponsor

ERROR: Random File Unopenable

The random file, as specified in the $random_file perl variable was unopenable.

The file was not found on your file system. This means that it has either not been created or the path you have specified in $trrandom_file is incorrect.

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

ZeoSync Corp., based in West Palm Beach, Florida is a scientific research company that yesterday announced that it has been able to compress data in a way that ensures there is no loss of fidelity without removing redundant data. Lossless data compression is the process by which digital information is compacted, stored and then restored to its original format without losing or changing the information.

ZeoSync reports that it's team of scientists has been able to compress random data more than 100 times over without data loss. This is a compression ratio an order of magnitude higher than current standards. ZeoSync's tests were conducted on a small scale; however, if the compression algorithm holds true for larger amounts of data, it could revolutionize the data storage and telecommunication industries. Current bandwidth requirements for computer storage, cell phones, and wireless networks may be unnecessary. High volumes of super-compressed data could stream over existing transmission channels, increasing the workload while at the same time negating the need for new telecommunications infrastructure.

Dave's Opinion

Lossless data compression is a good thing. One of the most trying exercises my family goes through is how to reduce the size of digital pictures so that they can be transmitted in near-real time to family members around the world. We do our best to involve distant (geographically) relatives in each holiday and birthday party by sending them digital photographs every few minutes while the party's going strong. Compressing high resolution JPEG images now requires us to compromise between quality and transmission speed.

Around the office, we test each new compression tool that becomes readily available for two attributes: 1) a greater lossless compression ratio and 2) speed and efficiency of use. Should ZeoSync's new compression algorithm be adopted by compression software developers, it could easily change the face of digital data compression.

Call for Comments

What do you think? Leave your comments on the message center.

References

ZeoSync
Message Center

Previous issues are on our website at http://itrain.org/itinfo/.

International Association of Information Technology Trainers
PMB 616
6030-M Marshalee Dr
Elkridge, MD 21075-5987

410.567.5366
1.888.290.6200
fax: 801.650.0423
Membership Director: member@itrain.org

Return to ITrain Homepage

http://itrain.org/itinfo/2002/it020109.html
updated January 9, 2002