An updatable CD-Rom format called CD-U, has been launched by iQrom, a US-based digital communications company.
The system enables compact discs to be updated automatically over the internet, so information may be added incrementally, avoiding the need for a complete rewrite every time there is an amendment.
The new format uses the SoftCD technology developed by iOra, an internet data replication specialist, which compares the original and new versions of any digital data, and creates an amendment file incorporating only the variations from the original.
The file is then integrated via the internet through the user's hard drive, effectively resulting in a new CD-Rom on which the publisher can change and update the content.