The CGGVeritas Data Services Group (formerly Guardian Data Services) provides specialist data recovery, seismic reformatting, archival and data management solutions to the oil and gas industry. Data Services has been operating since 1984 and specializes in all facets of data management and transcription work.

The ‘typical’ scope of work varies from small single-tape copy jobs through to large archiving projects involving data recovery and reformatting of hundreds of thousands of legacy tapes.

Data Services uses the proprietary 'Dingo' software suite and SEISTORE transcription database for all of its operations. These products deliver industry-leading reformatting and data recovery features and functions.

Reformatting Legacy Data

• Appropriate recovery techniques are essential to minimize irretrievable data loss.
• Correct format recognition and application of appropriate reformatting software and parameters is required to maintain data integrity.
• The supply of output media with data in logical order, informative labels and reports allows easy and reliable access by future users.
• The SEISTORE database adds robust data management functionality to reformatting projects. It automatically captures relevant information and metadata to enable data tracking and management.
• Data Services’ capabilities include all media types, both old and new, including analog strips, 7-track, 9-track, 21-track, all cartridge types, disks, etc.

Duplicating and Copying

• Data Services’ capabilities include all common media types used within the oil & gas industry, past and present.
• Whether the requirement is to make extra copies or to copy the data to a different media type, Data Services can turn it around quickly and accurately.
• Data Services utilizes a 'format-aware' copy process where applicable, e.g. especially for SEGY and SEGD data. This not only copies the data but also provides listings and will highlight/correct format anomalies.
• Copying of data to HDD-USB or CD/DVD is becoming a popular requirement – in the case of SEGY/SEGD data this requires appropriate software to ensure that the resulting files are readable.

Data Recovery

• All magnetic media are subject to deterioration of the magnetic coating. In the case of 9-track tapes, this is a known and serious problem affecting many tapes from the 1980s – usually resulting in partial or major data loss
• In the case of modern cartridges, a minor media problem may prevent the user from reading past the point of failure, meaning that subsequent 'good' data cannot be accessed.
• Data Services has the expertise, tools and techniques to maximize the data that can be recovered from such damaged or deteriorating tape media.

WARNING: the oxide layer of deteriorating tapes can be irretrievably destroyed through attempts to read the data without applying appropriate treatment or techniques! Be careful who you trust your data to!