Open Data Links for Software Applications and Programming Standards
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has taken a significant step in preserving digital heritage by including various software and code formats as part of its Linked Open Data initiative. This comprehensive approach ensures the long-term preservation and accessibility of essential digital records.
At the heart of this initiative lies the NARA Digital Preservation Framework, which encompasses various file formats and their respective variants found in NARA holdings. This includes programming software, application software, and system software, as well as specific tools, risk assessments, and processing capabilities used at NARA.
One of the key elements of the NARA Digital Preservation Framework is the inclusion of executable and linkable format (ELF) files. These files, which are essential components of many operating systems, come in various versions, including 32-bit Little Endian, 64-bit Big Endian, and 64-bit Little Endian. Each version is identified by a unique identifier and can be accessed through the NARA Linked Open Data portal.
For instance, the 32-bit Little Endian ELF file is identified by the file extension "elf" and preserved under the identifier NF00759. To access the associated .ttl file, which contains detailed information about the format, including specifications, standards, and preservation strategies adopted by NARA, you can visit the URL provided by NARA: [https://www.archives.gov/files/lod/dpframework/id/NF00759.ttl](https://www.archives.gov/files/lod/dpframework/id/NF00759.ttl).
Similarly, the 64-bit Big Endian and 64-bit Little Endian ELF files are also preserved and accessible through their respective identifiers (NF00760 and NF00761) and associated URLs.
The NARA Digital Preservation Framework also includes other relevant files such as an A86 assembler source code file with ID NF00769. These files can be opened in any text editor, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Moreover, the Digital Preservation Framework as Linked Open Data includes the same elements as the version on GitHub, ensuring consistency and transparency. The Software and Code Preservation Plan, which documents the significant properties of software and code records, can also be used as test criteria for tools and processes used in format transformations.
In essence, the NARA Digital Preservation Framework represents a significant step towards ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of digital records, including software and code. By making its Linked Open Data available in Resource Description Framework Terse RDF Triple Language (RDF Turtle) format, NARA is making this valuable information accessible to a global audience.
Data-and-cloud-computing technology plays a crucial role in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)'s Digital Preservation Framework, as it enables the preservation and accessibility of various software formats, including ELF files and A86 assembler source code. This technology ensures the long-term preservation of digital records and provides a means for a global audience to access this valuable information.
