Lossless data compression techniques

Data compression, all of a sudden in the 1990s, has become a huge market. Virtually all operating systems now contain some data compression utility. Compression software packages or plug-in boards can more than double storage capacity in PC disc drives. The data compression method in the V.42bis modem standard, used by more than 50 modem manufacturers, is rapidly spreading into high speed local and remote area networks. Lossless data compression techniques seem, on the surface, too good to be true. If simple software routines or chip sets can double or triple the storage capacity of PCs and transmission speed of modems: why doesn´t everybody do it? The fact is that not all data types can be compressed and for those that can be there remains a range of serious problems including: data expansion, error propagation, encoding speed, uncontrolled library growth and finally patent liabilities