Evaluation of Bit Preservation Strategies

This article describes a methodology which supports evaluation of bit preservation strategies for different digital materials. This includes evaluation of alternative bit preservation solution. The methodology presented uses the preservation planning tool Plato for evaluations, and a BR-ReMS prototype to calculate measures for how well bit preservation requirements are met.
Planning storage of data as part of preservation planning involves classification of data with regard to requirements on confidentiality, bit safety, available and costs. Choice of storage with such parameters is quite complex since e.g. more copies of data means better bit safety, but higher cost and bigger risk of breaking confidentiality.
Based on a case of a bit repository offering varied bit preservation solutions, the article will present results of using the methodology to make plans and choices of alternatives for different digital material with different requirements for bit integrity and confidentiality. This case shows that the methodology, including the tools used, is useful for this purpose.