The Importance of Standards in Digital Preservation
In today’s world, where research data plays a critical role in solving global challenges, ensuring its long-term preservation has become more important than ever. However, digital preservation is not just about storing files; it involves ensuring that data remains accessible, understandable, and usable in the future, regardless of technological or contextual changes.
This is where two essential standards come into play: the OAIS (Open Archival Information System) model and the ISO 16363 certification. These standards not only define best practices for digital preservation but also provide a framework for institutions to build trust in their data management processes.
What is the OAIS Model?
The OAIS model, developed by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and adopted as ISO 14721, provides a reference framework for managing and preserving digital information. Widely used by libraries, archives, academic institutions, and organizations handling large volumes of data, OAIS ensures a structured and reliable approach to preservation.
- Key Components of the OAIS Model:
- Producers: Responsible for supplying data to the system.
- Repository: The core system that stores, manages, and preserves the data.
- Consumers: The end users who access the preserved data.
- Key Processes in the OAIS Model:
- Ingest: Data is received and transformed into Archival Information Packages (AIPs).
- Storage: AIPs are securely managed within a reliable repository.
- Access: Data is made available as Dissemination Information Packages (DIPs) for users.

The OAIS model is widely recognized for its flexibility and adaptability to different types of data and organizational needs.
ISO 16363: The Standard for Trustworthy Repositories
While OAIS defines a conceptual framework, ISO 16363 focuses on evaluating the trustworthiness of digital repositories. This certification outlines detailed criteria covering technical, organizational, and financial aspects.
- Key Areas Assessed by ISO 16363:
- Organizational Sustainability: Ensuring the repository has sufficient financial and human resources for long-term operations.
- Data Security: Implementing measures to protect data against loss, corruption, or unauthorized access.
- Technical Compliance: Ensuring that processes and technologies meet international standards.
- Benefits of Certification:
- Increased Trust: Institutions can demonstrate to funders and collaborators that their data is well-managed.
- Risk Mitigation: Compliance with standards reduces the likelihood of data loss.
- Credibility: Certified institutions are seen as leaders in digital preservation.
Labdrive: Supporting OAIS and ISO 16363 Compliance
Labdrive is a digital preservation solution specifically designed to help institutions meet OAIS and ISO 16363 standards. This ensures not only effective data preservation but also simplifies the certification process for organizations seeking to demonstrate their commitment to quality and sustainability.
- How Labdrive Supports OAIS Compliance:
- Automating processes such as the creation of SIPs, AIPs, and DIPs.
- Providing tracking tools to ensure data traceability.
- Offering intuitive interfaces that facilitate collaboration between technical and non-technical teams.
- Facilitating ISO 16363 Certification:
While Labdrive does not directly certify institutions, it provides the necessary tools to meet requirements, such as:- Automated internal audits.
- Integrated risk management.
- Operational sustainability features that enable long-term financial planning.
Benefits of Preserving Research Data with Labdrive
Preserving data with Labdrive means more than just meeting standards—it delivers tangible benefits that directly impact research quality and institutional reputation.
Operational Efficiency:
By automating key processes, Labdrive reduces the administrative burden on teams, allowing them to focus on strategic tasks.
Transparency and Trust:
Labdrive ensures data is managed ethically and professionally, adhering to international best practices. This is critical for institutions aiming to maintain the trust of their collaborators and funders.
FAIR Data Support:
Labdrive aligns with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), essential for open science and global collaboration. By ensuring data is easy to find and reuse, Labdrive fosters innovation and efficiency in research.
Long-Term Planning:
With advanced preservation planning tools, Labdrive helps institutions mitigate risks and ensure data continuity. This includes capabilities such as cost evaluation for preservation and early detection of potential technical issues.
Adopting standards like OAIS and ISO 16363 is a strategic decision that ensures the quality, integrity, and accessibility of data in the long term. With Labdrive, institutions gain access to a solution that not only meets these standards but is also designed to simplify the daily work of archivists, researchers, and technical teams.
If your institution is looking for a reliable solution to preserve research data, Labdrive is the answer.
Learn more about how Labdrive can transform your data management. Request a demo today.