Digital preservation policies

The journal Sinapsis preserves information as follows:

Its final files (PDF, HTML, XML) and editable files (InDesign) are located on the server of the Department of Technology and Systems at the Portoviejo Higher University Institute (ITSUP), Manabí, Ecuador.

A daily backup is performed, meaning a copy of the ITSUP server is saved to a separate backup server.

The digital preservation process for the journal includes various steps for all incoming material, such as:

  • Evaluation of the preservation value.
  • Identification and classification
  • Verification of material integrity
  • Content characterization
  • Sustainability assurance
  • Verification of authenticity
  • Access assignment and entry
  • Addition of metadata on the preservation process

A comprehensive strategy exists to guarantee the security and integrity of the information stored in the journal Sinapsis. Considering three aspects (hardware, software, and others), it can be stated that the current access service to the journal Sinapsis guarantees an expected monthly service level of approximately 99.9%.

Hardware. 

  • Use of high-performance professional servers, equipped with redundant systems in both energy and storage devices.
  • Use of virtualized servers and services to make optimal use of existing hardware and guarantee expected performance.
  • Electrical backup that gives autonomy to the systems of more than 12 hours of operation in the event of failures in the electrical power supply.

 Software 

  • Use of operating systems and applications based on free software with a GPL license.
  • Design of a security system that includes the existence of firewalls (firewalls), intrusion detectors and automated and crossed backup systems that ensure the preservation of information in the event of natural disasters or computer catastrophes.
  • Constant update of operating systems and applications.
  • Policies defined for updating the platforms used by the journal (OJS)
  • Strict policies for safekeeping systems.
  • Use of defined text editors based on free software.
  • Control and policies for the definition of system administrative users and passwords
  • Use of secure protocols (https).

 Others

 

  • Guarantee of adequate electricity supply to the data center that houses the magazine as well as physical security of the premises.
  • Strict measures regarding the climatic conditions of the data center premises.

 For digital preservation purposes, Sinapsis recommends the deposit of documents with easily readable formats (such as PDF). In general, open JPG formats, files compatible with OpenOfiice, etc. are preferred over proprietary formats (Word, GIF, etc.). In the event that it is not possible to maintain the usability of all existing formats, Sinapsis technical support will return the files to their authors.