Abstract: A method for digitally preserving an electronic record includes defining a preservation and service plan for the electronic record in a model, the preservation and service plan including access requirements and authenticity requirements for a digital adaptation of the electronic record, and characteristics of the electronic record to be preserved in the digital adaptation of the electronic record, the model assigning a numeric value to each requirement and characteristic and to the relative importance of each requirement and characteristic; for each data type included in the electronic record, assigning a capability score to each digital adaptation processor that supports the data type, the capability score being indicative of the ability of the digital adaptation processor to meet the access and authenticity requirements and preserve the characteristics as valued in the model; and comparing the capability scores to determine the digital adaptation processor that most closely matches the model.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for establishing and maintaining authenticity of a plurality of records and/or documentary materials to be persisted in an electronic archives system are provided. Each record and/or documentary material may be safeguarded throughout its entire lifecycle by monitoring and recording both intended changes to each said record and/or documentary material and its corresponding status, as well as unintended changes to each said record and/or documentary material. Context and structure associated with each said record and/or documentary material may be extracted and preserved. Substantially uninterrupted proof-of-custody including at least a source may be established and preserved for each said record and/or documentary material throughout its entire lifecycle. Essential characteristics of each said record and/or documentary material may be captured and preserved throughout its lifecycle in dependence on one or more changeable definitions of essential characteristic.