Optical storage devices are any storage methods that use a laser to store and retrieve data from optical media. Optical storage media includes CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, WORM cartridges, erasable optical cartridges and removable mass storage media, which includes flash drives and removable disk, or RDX.
Optical storage devices offer advantages over other high-capacity storage such as microfilm and tape in that they have faster access times. Capacity, performance and price of optical storage devices are continually improving. Optical media can have a shelf life greater than 50 years. WORM optical storage can be used to archive a large amount of data.