A genesis in regulatory archiving
Arcsys was created in the 1990s to meet specific tax requirements, in particular the control of accounting data. In 2004, the project took a decisive turn with a broader ambition: to provide a digital preservation solution covering both regulatory (invoices, contracts) and heritage (theses, nautical charts) needs. This dual purpose, combining legal compliance and data enhancement, marked the beginning of an adventure that continues to reinvent itself.
Constant challenges in a changing environment
Interoperability quickly became a major issue. Arcsys had to adapt to a wide range of technologies and standards, while limiting dependencies to guarantee its sustainability. For example, the software integrated various storage systems (disks, tapes, cloud) and sophisticated security tools, while maintaining its compatibility with external solutions such as SharePoint or SAP.
Technological developments have sometimes forced the team to abandon certain software bricks that have become obsolete, such as Solaris or TSM. These adjustments required constant arbitration to remain aligned with customer needs and market standards.
The challenge of performance and volume
Faced with exponentially growing archive volumes, the software has evolved to support ever-increasing loads. Performance requirements, such as the management of tens of millions of documents per day or large-scale consultations, have led to a rethink of the product architecture. A modular approach, based on repositories, has made it possible to distribute the workload while guaranteeing fluidity and robustness. However, each added feature, such as compression or format validation, had to be carefully optimised so as not to compromise overall performance.
Security and durability: top priorities
Data security is a core concern of the product, particularly in sensitive sectors such as the military and aviation. Advanced electronic signature and sealing mechanisms guarantee the integrity of the archives. However, the growing threats to cybersecurity, illustrated by incidents such as Log4Shell, have necessitated the implementation of rigorous action plans. These protocols include continuous monitoring of vulnerabilities and rapid fixes to protect user data.
Sustainability is also a fundamental pillar. The software strives to ensure a smooth migration of data through technological developments, while ensuring total transparency for customers. Data reversibility is another key aspect, allowing users to retain their autonomy, even in the event of a failure by the publisher.
Towards a sustainable and innovative future
While digital preservation continues to grow in importance, the software is moving towards developments that combine innovation and restraint. The aim is to encourage rational data management by eliminating unnecessary archives to limit the carbon footprint. The product’s software factory will also be strengthened to speed up updates and respond effectively to user expectations.
Innovation will remain cautious, with special attention paid to emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence. These tools will only be integrated after their added value and sustainability have been guaranteed.
Necessary collaboration between public and private actors
In conclusion, there is a real need to establish closer collaboration between public, private and academic stakeholders to advance digital preservation. No system can function in isolation; it is essential to approve the exchange and sharing of knowledge to meet the complex challenges in this field. Arcsys perfectly represents this dynamic, remaining an accessible solution that is constantly adapting to meet the challenges of tomorrow.