PDF/A - ISO Standard for Long-Term Archiving

ISO 19005-1 defines “a file format based on PDF, known as PDF/A, which provides a mechanism for representing electronic documents in a manner that preserves their visual appearance over time, independent of the tools and systems used for creating, storing or rending the files.” (from ISO 19005-1). The Standard does not define an archiving strategy or the goals of an archiving system. It identifies a “profile” for electronic documents that ensures the documents can be reproduced in years to come.

A key element to this reproducibility is the requirement for PDF/A documents to be 100 % self-contained. All of the information necessary for displaying the document in the same manner every time is embedded in the file. This includes all visible content like text, raster images, vector graphics, fonts, color information and much more. A PDF/A document however is not permitted to be reliant on any information from direct or indirect external sources, for example links to external image files or font that are not embedded.

 

PDF/A - Recommandations

Austria: BAIK uses PDF/A for its collection of land register deeds
The Federal Chamber of Architects and Engineering Consultants in Austria requires that publicly available electronic documents comply with the PDF/A-1b standard. In addition, the authenticity of electronic documents that are being added to the land register will be assured through use of a qualified digital signature. More details are available on the BAIK website: www.baik-archiv.at. A good overview is also offered in the overview diagram of the BAIK archive.

Austrian National Library prefers PDF/A
In their Information for Suppliers and Libraries, the Austrian National Library has stipulated that they prefer to receive files in PDF/A format. This recommendation from the Austrian National Library with respect to the delivery of digital documents in PDF format places additional constraints on the files, and is aimed at ensuring support for the long-term archiving of digital documents. It orients itself on the ISO standard ISO 19005-1:2005 “Document management – Electronic document file format for long-term preservation – Part 1: Use of PDF (PDF/A)“, which is based on Version 1.4 of the PDF format.

 

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PDF/A Competence

PDF/A CompetenceCenter

 

PDF / A documents in relation with electronic signatures are the basis for the ability for long-term archiving of electronic documents.

MAY ComputerMay Computer was affiliated as first Austrian member of PDF/A Competence Center in the beginning of 2008. PDF/A Competence Center is a cooperation between numerous world-leading companies and experts in PDF technology.

callas softwareTechnology-, development- and Salescooperation with one of the leading players for PDF/A products.