National Archives completes gov't e-records system

18 Aug 2008 08:14

The Seamless Flow Programme automatically gathers, stores and — when allowed — releases government records online

The National Archives has completed its Seamless Flow Programme to automate the preservation of electronic government records.

The programme has developed tools and processes so that information created by government can be gathered by the National Archives, stored and — when allowed — released online.

David Thomas, chief information officer, said: "The challenges we face with digital records — cataloguing, preserving, accessibility — are similar to those of paper records, but they clearly can't be addressed in the same way. This new system — the first of its kind — means that we now have the tools to ensure that modern records survive the test of time."

"It is an important step towards guaranteeing the survival of vast amounts of government records, so that they are accessible to the researchers of the future, like paper and parchment are today," he added.

The programme includes an appraisal system for identifying documents worthy of preservation; workflow software, allowing for the secure transfer of records and monitoring file formats; a new system for cataloguing; storage; and Electronic Records Online, which allows the public to see all openly available documents, with a parallel secure version allowing departments to view closed records.

The National Archives said that 95 percent of government records are now produced electronically, with substantial increases in volume. The Seamless Flow Programme is among several projects at the National Archives aimed at improving the handling of digital records.

Others include the permanent archiving of all UK government websites, and a file-migration service for state-sector organisations that need to maintain electronic records over decades.

Story URL: http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,39462443,00.htm