Digital Long-Term-Preservation in Austria

Abstract

Long-term-preservation is a much discussed topic and a lot of institutions seem to deal with this question. But most of them are only saving digital data. The authors give a review on considerations and strategies for a longterm preservation of cultural heritage in Austria. The Austrian State Archives already have established an electronic long-term archive for the permanent storage of digital data, called “Digital Archive Austria”. The modular software is based on the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model and follows the concept of a service-oriented architecture with an interface to archival information systems. A web shop with a billing system is part of the service for the access to digital data. For reasons of cost efficiency the Austrian Federal Chancellery has purchased a general license enabling all Austrian provinces, cities, communities and other public authorities to use this archive solution without having to pay license fees all over again.