ISO 20614:2017

Overview

ISO 20614:2017 - Data exchange protocol for interoperability and preservation (DEPIP) defines a standardized, implementation‑neutral framework for exchanging data and related metadata between archives and their partners. DEPIP is based on the OAIS reference model and addresses interoperability and long‑term preservation by specifying the transactions, message syntax and message semantics needed to move, manage and access Data Objects between Originating Agencies, Transferring Agencies, Archives, Consumers and Control Authorities.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Five defined transactions: Transfer, Deliver, Dispose, Modify and Restitute - core operations for exchanging Data Objects.
• Data objects and packages: Concepts such as Data Objects, Binary Data Objects and DataObjectPackageType structure the exchanged content and associated metadata.
• Metadata models: Administrative and descriptive metadata types (e.g. AdministrativeMetadataType, DescriptiveMetadataType) are specified to support preservation and management.
• Message model: Syntax and semantics for the messages exchanged during transactions are defined so systems can interpret requests and responses consistently.
• Modelling artefacts: Use-case, sequence and class diagrams guide implementers; Annexes provide XML schemas, code‑list rules and REST guidance.
• Implementation scope: DEPIP is a conceptual data dictionary and is independent of transport protocols; it can be combined with technical protocols (HTTP/REST, XML) but does not mandate internal system architecture or applications.
• Minimum implementation (level 0): Transfer and Deliver transactions including mandatory metadata and the initial request/final reply.

Practical applications

• Standardizing ingest workflows for digital archives to ensure consistent preservation packages and metadata.
• Enabling interoperable exchange of archived content between institutional archives, storage service providers and third‑party transfer agents.
• Guiding commercial software vendors and application developers to implement compatible messaging and metadata models for archival systems.
• Supporting access and restitution processes between archives and consumers while honoring legal and control authority constraints.

Who should use this standard

• Archives and cultural heritage institutions implementing digital preservation workflows.
• Software vendors building archival ingest, preservation, or access systems.
• Application programmers and integrators implementing interoperable data exchange.
• Storage service suppliers and third‑party transfer agents participating in archival transactions.

Related standards

• OAIS Reference Model (ISO 14721) - conceptual alignment and basis for DEPIP.
• XML and REST/HTTP standards - commonly used technical protocols to implement DEPIP message exchanges (DEPIP itself remains protocol‑neutral).

Keywords: ISO 20614:2017, DEPIP, data exchange protocol, interoperability, digital preservation, archive metadata, Data Objects, Transfer Deliver Dispose Modify Restitute.