RE: [AV Media Matters] definition of 'archival'

[Peter Brothers <lists@specsbros.com>]

>-----Original Message-----
>From: rburkel@juno.com [mailto:rburkel@juno.com]
>Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 9:43 PM
>To: AV Media Matters

>Subject: Re: [AV Media Matters] definition of 'archival'
>ANSI has had a Life Expectancy (LE) standard for years which nails down
>the retrieval period in years. Example: LE 100 means the media must last
>100+ years AND the media content must be retrievable for 100 years. The
>system manufacturer is required to provide a content access method for
>100 years.
>
>Russ Burkel
>Analogue Imaging LLC

Russ:

Unfortunately, LE as it is defined in relation to Magnetic Media in the
ANSI/PIMA  standards document IT9.23 is "The length of time that information
is predicted to be retrievable in the system".  "Predicted to be
retrievable" as opposed to "must be retrievable" is, admittedly, a little
wishy-washy.  It "technically" lets the manufacturers off the hook as far as
any strict requirement to provide a content access method in the future.
Certainly LE is a better yard stick to use than "archival" but users could
have a very rude awakening in the future if they assumed it guaranteed
long-term manufacturer support.

Peter Brothers
President
SPECS BROS., LLC
peter@specsbros.com
web-site: http://www.specsbros.com
TAPE RESTORATION AND DISASTER RECOVERY
SINCE 1983