Aligning OAIS with the Enterprise Architecture

Abstract

The OAIS reference model is a well established “framework to understand significant relationships among the entities” involved in digital preservation, which aims to provide an abstract quality measure for the design of archival systems or repositories. However, it also details on structural and behavioural issues. In order to better decouple fundamental processes (required to be OAIS compliant) from optional processes, and avoid the risk of subjective interpretations on non-formal models, we propose to align OAIS with the Enterprise Architecture approach, providing a formalization of the OAIS “Functional Model” using the Business Process Modelling Notation. Finally, we claim that this approach is an effective advance to better assess OAIS and its relevance in the development of digital preservation solutions.