I have 1 single zip disk I’ve been using since ‘96 with no problems to backup my web server.
I can’t count how many CD’s and DVD’s I’ve had to trash because of one minor scratch on them, many of those scratches caused by the CD/DVD storage cases themselves. Lost several thumb drives due to misc problems.
ZIP disks are low capacity compared to other solutions available now, but they sure are reliable. A lot of it has to do with that hard plastic protective cover they have.
However the life of my Zip drive is nearing it’s end because my next computer upgrade won’t have the old IDE connection to run the thing.
All media eventually degrades. I have an old Zip drive lying around in a box somewhere, haven’t touched it in ages. For backups I just use a USB external drive, with a mind to pre-emptively replace it every year or two.
Last time I had to back up a web server, it was in a corporate environment, so I just used the existing backup system there.
I’ve had excellent luck with a 4 GB USB flash drive that I carry around with me- I have been using it since they were expensive without issue. I am in IT, so I use it frequently.