10.1 Policy
All GTOS Data and Information must be securely archived along with all relevant metadata.
10.2 Discussion
The preservation of data and information to enable use over the long-term is intrinsic to the concept of GTOS. Archiving is also an essential element of the end-to-end data management framework and Data Centres on the whole will be expected to have archival procedures in place. One possible approach is for GTOS to verify the adequacy of those procedures as part of the process of designating a Centre to be a GTOS Data Centre. A second alternative is to designate specific DC’s as "archive facilities" and ensure that every DC is associated with one such facility to which copies of all material to be archived should be forwarded. This second approach has the advantage that verification and monitoring of procedures is needed at a smaller number of Centres. It also serves to provide the additional security of off-site storage for copies of material.
In the end-to-end process, there are potentially several points at which material should be archived. These points vary depending upon the dataset(s) and processes but should be clearly defined and documented in the overall data management plan in effect. At all stages and in all cases, relevant metadata must be included in the archive material to ensure that the data and information can indeed be used in a meaningful fashion at some later date.
10.3 Actions
Consider designating a number (at least 2) DC’s as GTOS data archive facilities
Develop guidelines for archival requirements for GTOS products
Ensure that DC’s have archival procedures in place which are consistent with GTOS guidelines
