ISO 14721-2025 PDF

Full title and description

Space Data System Practices — Reference model for an open archival information system (OAIS). ISO 14721:2025 provides the international reference model for designing, operating and evaluating an OAIS — an archival system of hardware, software, information and policies whose purpose is the long‑term preservation and delivery of digital information.

Abstract

This edition (Issue 3) updates the OAIS reference model to reflect developments in digital preservation practice and to align the ISO publication with the CCSDS OAIS Issue 3 (magenta book) released in late 2024. It defines OAIS functional entities (Ingest, Archival Storage, Data Management, Access, Administration, Preservation Planning), information packages (SIP, AIP, DIP), Representation Information and Designated Community concepts, and the responsibilities required to preserve and provide long‑term access to digital information.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (replaces the 2012 edition).
• Publication date: 10 March 2025.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (Issue 3 / OAIS v3).
• Number of pages: 139 pages (PDF/print formats reported).

Scope

Defines the CCSDS/ISO Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS). The document establishes the concepts, vocabulary and high‑level functional model for archives responsible for preserving and providing access to digital information for a Designated Community, and specifies the information model (SIP/AIP/DIP), preservation metadata, and responsibilities needed to support long‑term usability. This edition supersedes ISO 14721:2012 and aligns ISO publication with the CCSDS OAIS Issue 3 work.

Key topics and requirements

• OAIS conceptual model and terminology (Designated Community, Representation Information, Preservation Description Information).
• Functional entities and workflows: Ingest, Archival Storage, Data Management, Access, Administration, Preservation Planning.
• Information packaging: Submission Information Package (SIP), Archival Information Package (AIP), Dissemination Information Package (DIP).
• Requirements for long‑term preservation: preservation metadata, fixity, bit‑level preservation, and migration strategies.
• Roles and responsibilities for archival organizations, and guidance for evaluating archive completeness and suitability for long‑term access.

Typical use and users

Used by digital preservation practitioners, archives, libraries, data managers, repository developers, space agencies, standards bodies and auditors. Typical uses include designing or evaluating archival systems, structuring preservation workflows, specifying repository requirements, and providing a common vocabulary for certification and audit activities.

Related standards

Closely related to repository audit and certification standards (for example ISO 16363 and ISO 16919) and other CCSDS/ISO space data system practices. The 2025 OAIS update was published alongside updates to related standards addressing audit, certification and repository practices.

Keywords

OAIS; open archival information system; digital preservation; archival information package; SIP; AIP; DIP; preservation metadata; representation information; designated community; repository; ISO 14721; CCSDS.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 14721:2025 is the international reference model for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS), defining the high‑level concepts, functional model and information packaging used for long‑term digital preservation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers OAIS concepts (Designated Community, Representation Information), functional entities and workflows (Ingest, Archival Storage, Data Management, Access, Administration, Preservation Planning), and information package formats (SIP, AIP, DIP), plus responsibilities required to preserve and deliver digital information over the long term.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Archives, libraries, data centers, repository engineers, space agencies, preservation planners, policy makers and auditors use it to design, operate, assess or certify digital preservation systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is current (Edition 3, published 10 March 2025) and supersedes ISO 14721:2012. Organizations using OAIS should reference this 2025 edition for the latest model and terminology.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — OAIS sits within a family of space data system and digital preservation standards maintained by CCSDS and ISO; it is commonly used together with audit/certification standards such as ISO 16363 and ISO 16919 and other CCSDS magenta books.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: OAIS, digital preservation, SIP/AIP/DIP, Representation Information, Designated Community, archival storage, preservation metadata, ISO 14721.