Amnesty International Adopts Preserve365 for Enhanced Digital Record Preservation in Microsoft 365

Amnesty International Empowers Digital Archive with Preserve365 in Microsoft 365​

In a bold move to safeguard decades of critical human rights data, Amnesty International has adopted Preservica’s Preserve365® – an innovative Active Digital Preservation solution seamlessly embedded into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. By integrating this cutting-edge technology with Microsoft SharePoint, the global organization is setting a new standard for digital records archiving and preservation.

Pioneering a New Era in Record Preservation​

Human rights records—often sensitive, meticulously documented, and historically invaluable—demand robust preservation methodologies. For Amnesty International, which has meticulously built an archive spanning over 60 years, even the smallest risk of data corruption or accidental deletion can mean the loss of irreplaceable evidence and context. In an era when digital records can easily fall victim to format obsolescence or manual oversight, Preserve365 emerges as a critical tool in ensuring that vital documentation remains secure, accessible, and credible well into the future.

Key Motivations Behind the Adoption​

• Safeguarding Legacy Data: With many records stored in outdated and unsupported formats, the transition to a modern preservation solution helps mitigate the risk of file corruption and inaccessible historical data.
• Automation and Efficiency: The integration automates archival transfers, reducing the need for manual intervention and streamlining the overall workflow.
• Enhanced Compliance: Utilizing Microsoft retention labels within SharePoint enables standardization of digital preservation practices—ensuring records meet evolving regulatory and compliance standards.
• Assured Accessibility: By embedding Active Digital Preservation into the workflow, the solution prevents future compatibility issues, thus preserving the integrity and readability of records over time.

Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365​

Amnesty’s active digital preservation strategy leverages the robust capabilities of Microsoft 365, particularly within SharePoint. This integration highlights the strength of modern record management when combined with specialized digital preservation tools.

How the Integration Works​

• Embedded Functionality: Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Preserve365 embeds itself directly into the Microsoft 365 experience. This deep integration allows users to manage and archive records without disrupting existing workflows.
• Automated Archival Transfers: The use of Microsoft Purview retention labels triggers automatic transfers of files, folders, lists, and libraries from SharePoint into the Preservica platform. This eliminates the cumbersome process of manual selection and archival, which historically has increased the risk of oversight.
• Streamlined Workflow: Once activated, the archival process becomes part of the standard operating procedure within SharePoint. Researchers and staff can now focus more on their mission-critical tasks, confident that their records are being handled proactively in the background.

This seamless symbiosis of Microsoft’s tools with Preservica’s innovative technology not only reinforces the security of digital archives but also promotes an efficient, secure, and proactive approach to data governance and long-term file integrity.

Inside the Technology: Active Digital Preservation​

At the heart of this technological leap is Preservica’s Active Digital Preservation – a methodical approach focused on keeping every digital file “alive” in a manner that’s future-proof.

Core Features of Preserve365​

• Active Digital Preservation: Unlike traditional archive methods that might simply store data passively, the active approach continuously ensures that records are preserved in formats that remain accessible and usable over time. This means that even as software and systems evolve, the digital records are updated and maintained to prevent obsolescence.
• Automation Driven by Retention Labels: By leveraging Microsoft retention labels, the solution categorizes digital records automatically. Once classified, the system securely transfers the data to the Preservica platform—ensuring no human oversight results in missed records.
• Mitigating Technology Risk: A proactive approach to digital preservation means that risks such as format obsolescence, accidental deletion, and file corruption are actively managed. The technology continuously monitors and validates digital records, assuring that the archival copy remains untainted by time or technology shifts.
• Enhanced Retrieval and Provenance: With a system designed to track and authenticate every record, researchers can quickly locate and verify the provenance of data critical to human rights investigations. This not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures that the integrity of historical data is maintained for legal, research, and compliance needs.

The Broader Implications for Information Management​

The success of Preserve365 in a demanding environment such as Amnesty International points to a broader trend in digital preservation. In today’s data-driven world, organizations across sectors are recognizing the importance of embedding robust, automated preservation systems within their digital ecosystems. By integrating these advanced technologies into everyday platforms like Microsoft 365, institutions can future-proof their operations against the ever-evolving landscape of digital storage and data management.

Impact on Human Rights Documentation​

For an organization whose mission hinges on the careful documentation and dissemination of evidence regarding human rights abuses, the integrity of record storage is paramount. The adoption of Preserve365 signifies more than just a technological upgrade—it embodies a commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice.

Securing the Narrative of History​

• Preserving Evidence: Digital archives are often the sole repositories of sensitive case files and evidence that can determine the course of future legal actions. Preserve365’s proactive measures ensure that this evidence remains intact and accessible.
• Enhancing Research Capabilities: As researchers rely on historical records to uncover patterns of abuse and demand accountability, a robust archival system facilitates quicker access to accurate, unaltered data. This means that investigative efforts can proceed unhindered by bureaucratic obstacles often associated with manual archiving.
• Mitigating Data Loss Risks: With automation in place, there is a dramatic reduction in the possibility of losing critical data due to human error or outdated storage methods. The system’s ability to safeguard against accidental deletions or erroneous updates is a significant win for future-proofing historical archives.

Expert Perspectives: Voices from the Field​

The transition to a technology-driven preservation strategy is backed by insights from both Amnesty International and Preservica's leadership. Fiona Bolt, Information Manager at Amnesty International, candidly remarked, "We’ve seen firsthand how easily digital records can become lost or corrupted over time. Some of our case files from the 1990s, stored in unsupported formats, are gone forever. That was a wake-up call." Her statement underscores the critical need for a system that can automate and secure the archiving process, ensuring that no important piece of history is inadvertently discarded.
Mike Quinn, CEO of Preservica, weighed in on the collaboration: "In an increasingly AI-driven world, having a secure and reliable foundation of trusted long-term records is more important than ever. We look forward to supporting Amnesty as we continue to extend and develop Preserve365 further." Quinn’s words signal not only a commitment to state-of-the-art digital preservation but also hint at the evolving interface between artificial intelligence and archival technology—a relationship that promises to further enhance record security and accessibility.

Why This Matters to Windows Users​

While the spotlight in this announcement is on human rights archives, the underlying technology resonates with thousands of organizations and enterprises that depend on Microsoft 365 for seamless data management. Whether you are an IT administrator or a digital archivist, the integration of Active Digital Preservation into Microsoft SharePoint:

• Optimizes Existing Investments: By leveraging tools that many organizations already use, such as Microsoft retention labels, Preserve365 exemplifies how innovative solutions can be integrated into existing IT infrastructures.
• Enhances Security Posture: Automated archiving reduces the risk of human error, a significant factor in data breaches and loss incidents. This is a key lesson for businesses managing sensitive or confidential information.
• Future-Proofs Digital Assets: The proactive management of digital records ensures that the transition to future technologies or system upgrades does not jeopardize legacy data. For Windows users, this presents a model for sustainable information management that aligns with best practices in cybersecurity and compliance.

A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Archiving​

As we continue to develop in a digital-first age, the strategies employed by forward-thinking organizations like Amnesty International set the pace. The successful implementation of Preserve365 demonstrates how legacy issues associated with digital records can be effectively addressed through innovation and integration.

Broader Technological Trends Illustrated​

• Automation in IT Processes: Automation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about eliminating the errors that come with manual intervention. In record preservation, this means ensuring a seamless and error-free archival process.
• Integration of Specialized Tools: By embedding specialized digital preservation solutions within ubiquitous platforms such as Microsoft 365, organizations can leverage the best of both worlds. They maintain the familiarity of their current workflow while enhancing security with advanced technology.
• Collaboration as a Catalyst: The partnership between Preservica, Amnesty International, and Microsoft highlights how collaboration across sectors can drive technological innovation that has far-reaching real-world implications. This model of cooperation is one that other institutions—be they in education, government, or enterprise—might well emulate.

Real-World Implications​

Human rights archives are not the only domain that stands to benefit from such technological advancements. Consider industries that handle critical long-term data—legal sectors, medical research, academic institutions, and even corporate compliance departments. Automated, integrated digital preservation solutions can mitigate risks, reduce compliance burdens, and ensure that future transitions do not compromise today’s data integrity.

Conclusion: A Win for Digital Preservation and Human Rights​

The adoption of Preserve365 by Amnesty International is a clear signal of the evolving landscape of digital archiving. In an interconnected, digital-first world, the ability to preserve, secure, and access critical records seamlessly is not just a technical necessity—it’s a moral imperative. By harnessing the power of Microsoft 365 and Active Digital Preservation, Amnesty International not only protects its own invaluable repository of human rights records but also sets a benchmark for digital record management practices worldwide.
For IT professionals, digital archivists, and policy-makers, this development offers a blueprint for integrating cutting-edge digital preservation tools within familiar cloud-based platforms. As we witness the convergence of automation, integration, and advanced preservation, the lesson is clear: proactive digital preservation isn’t optional—it’s essential for safeguarding our collective history and ensuring accountability for generations to come.
In the world of Windows, where every update and integration can redefine how we manage data, this innovative approach marks a significant milestone. The lessons learned here serve as an inspiration to all organizations looking to secure their digital futures while honoring the past.

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Sources:

• https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278076622/amnesty-international-adopts-preserve365-to-streamline-the-archiving-and-preservation-of-human-rights-records-in-microsoft-365/
• https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/amnesty-international-adopts-preserve365-to-streamline-the-archivi-995747/