2. | introduction
Migration-based preservation strategies are costly,
involve a risk of data loss and do not address the
core of the problem; the need for data security and
future-proof access.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
DIGITAL PRESERVATION
Our ambition is to reshape digital preservation with
a holistic approach. We make your valuable data
secure and accessible regardless of future technological
developments. Our solution is designed for maintaining
the integrity of your data whilst ensuring they can be
reproduced at some point in the future.
We make digital data physically
present and future preserved.
Reshaping
digital
preservation
Ensuring future access to today’s
digital data is a constant challenge.
As data volume grows, complexity
and risk increase.
EXPECTED DATA GROWTH
2009 - 2020
EXTABYTES
EXPECTED MIGRATION COST
ARCHIVE OF 1 000 000 DIGITAL FILES
EURO
Source: IDC, “Digital University Study”, 2014 (til expected data growth graph) Source: Erik Oltmans and Nanda Kol, “A comparison between emulation
and migration in terms of cost” (til Exp. Migration costs graph)
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
45000
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
1 000 000
2 000 000
3 000 000
4 000 000
5 000 000
6 000 000
7 000 000
8 000 000
9 000 000
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055 2060
LIFTING FILM INTO THE DIGITAL ERA
By combining innovative research with well-proven
technology, we have developed an OAIS compliant
solution for digital preservation. We transform photo-
sensitive film into a digital preservation medium,
similar to what was done with magnetic tape some
years back. Our solution is as easy to use as any
other digital technology, but with a unique security,
integrity and longevity.
3. | open archival information system
By turning film into a digital storage
medium, we combine the well-
documented preservation qualities
of photosensitive materials with the
accessibility enabled by operating
within a standard IT infrastructure.
MIGRATION-FREE
By storing your digital data in archival
file formats on our unique piqlFilm,
repetitive migrations are no longer
needed. You avoid the risk of migra-
tion-related corruption and data loss,
you’ll save time and get a more
predictable long-term cost.
FUTURE-PROOF
We make data retrieval independent of
access to specific technologies or ven-
dors. For disaster recovery, all you need
is a light source and any type of digital
camera and computer. Readable text
explains how to reproduce your files.
PERMANENT
Photosensitive storage medium are
robust with proven long-term quali-
ties, and piqlFilm is tested to together
with its packaging to last for 500 years.
Although your time perspective may
be shorter, you can trust that your data
will remain intact.
UNALTERABLE
Your data is preserved securely on a
true WORM (Write Once, Read Many)
medium, making it impossible to manip-
ulate or delete recorded data.
FLEXIBLE
Depending on your needs you can store
your data in computer readable digital
format or as human readable text or
images. You can also combine the two
for additional security.
SEARCHABLE
Operated within a standard IT envi-
ronment, your data is fully searchable.
You’ll find what you need, whenever
you need it.
The best of
two worlds
4. | the service and process
Transfer your digital data. We accept
all file formats of any size, ranging from
pure text documents to images and
audio-visual contents.
We write your digital data and metadata
onto a secure, migration-free preserva-
tion medium with proven long-term
qualities; our high-resolution piqlFilm.
The film is protected in our unique piql-
Box. Select between storing the data in
computer readable digital format or as
human readable text or images.
Your data is searchable and can
be retrieved in minutes, whether
you store the piqlBox yourself or
let us do it for you. Readable text
with source codes and file format
specifications ensure future access
regardless of availability to specific
technologies or vendors.
1
2
3
How it
works
5. HOW WE PRESERVE YOUR DATA
Preserving data is just as easy as storing to any other
device or e.g. in the Cloud; the difference lays in the
security, integrity and longevity of the solution. We use
our high-precision piqlWriter to write your digital files
and related metadata onto piqlFilm. Both digital and
human readable storage of data is possible. The film is
protected in a labelled piqlBox, which is tested together
with film to ensure your data lasts for at least 500 years
under ISO storage conditions.
Our solution may be integrated into your existing digital
preservation system or digital asset management system
for easy search and access.
| technology as enabler
Piql Preservation Services are based on our
certified turnkey solution which includes all
equipment and processes needed for writing,
storing and reading back your files. The tech-
nology is developed in cooperation with
some of the most renowned companies
and institutions within their fields, such
as Fraunhofer, Norner and IPI (Image
Permanence Institute).
6. HOW WE ENSURE LONG-TERM ACCESS
We use the same methods for error correction as most
other storage technologies. The formats and algorithms
are printed on the film in both human readable and
digital formats. It is of uttermost importance to us that
all information needed to decode the data is available to
those that may need it sometime in the future, so even
the source code for the decoding software is stored on
the reel. For additional security we can write file format
specifications on the film.
OUR STORY
Since the start of the company in Norway in 2002, our
passion has been to creatively challenge the industry
standard within imaging and display technology. After
having revolutionised the way the film industry prints
their movies, our vision is to reshape data preserva-
tion. Piql Preservation Services, enabled by our unique
technology, is offered through a worldwide network of
service providers.
HOW TO READ BACK YOUR DATA
When you request your file back, the correct piqlBox is
collected from storage and placed on piqlReader. It will
read the needed part of the film and decode the informa-
tion before making the file available to you.
You may also recover your files by using
any compatible digital scanner and our
open source decoding software.
| technology as enabler
7. | contact
Piql AS
Grønland 56
3045 Drammen
NORWAY
T +47 90 53 34 32
F +47 32 82 82 47
M office@piql.com
W www.piql.com
