We had a presentation by Mr. Maxwell on this process.  It involves converting the source code for the creating application and data stream for a digital file into a 2D bar code and storing the bar code on microfilm.  When the file is to be read you use a special scanner that converts the information back into the digital file which is then emulated on current/future technology.  While we are not sold on the technology, there is still the issues revolving around the proprietary nature of Datasurance®, it is an interesting concept that should be tested.
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scott A. Leonard
Electronic Records Specialist
Kansas State Historical Society
6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615
Phone:  785-272-8681, ext. 280
E-mail:  [log in to unmask]
Web:  www.kshs.org

>>> Laurie Varendorff <[log in to unmask]> 5/24/05 6:58:57 PM >>>
Dear colleagues,

You may find the information detailed below of interest plus the link to the
Paper @ < http://microfilm.net.au/pdf/ACS%20Datasurance%20White%20Paper.pdf >
The Ending of Digital Obsolescence

Let the discussion begin!

Regards, Laurie
May 2005 - At the recent second Society for Imaging Science and Technology -
IS&T Archiving Conference - Introduction to Archiving 2005 held at the
Washington Hilton - Washington DC on the 26th to 29th April 2005 an
interesting paper was presented titled - The Ending of Digital Obsolescence
by Michael C. Maxwell and Ken Quick of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. -
ACS of Texas, USA. For persons wishing to provide for the longevity of
digital data for preservation and archive purposes this paper will be of
great interest. The paper is available for viewing or to download from this
website with the permission of Michael C. Maxwell of Affiliated Computer
Services, Inc. - ACS of Texas, USA. The paper - The Ending of Digital
Obsolescence - @
< http://microfilm.net.au/pdf/ACS%20Datasurance%20White%20Paper.pdf > The
Ending of Digital Obsolescence
The process or product discussed in the paper is a commercial product
marketed by ACS and it is referred to by it registered name DatasuranceR.
This is not the last time you will hear of DatasuranceR as this process has
the potential to revolutionise the storage of digital data in any form for
its Long Term - LE preservation over extended periods of time. The media
utilised by DatasuranceR has a stated Long Term - LE preservation period of
LE 500 = 500 years if processed under the appropriate Quality Assurance
procedures and then stored under the required conditions of humidity and
temperature. May DatasuranceR prove to be the answer to the archivists,
records managers, preservations and conservationists prayers for the Long
Term - LE preservation and storage of digital data in any form into the
unknown future!
Mr Daniel Lawrance [Laurie] Varendorff, ARMA
Member of the Western Australian Governments - Digital Records Working Group
(DRWG).
Specialist Technical Writer on Records and Information Management (RIM) and
related subjects, available for hire.
Published Articles available @
http://www.records-management.com.au/publications.shtml?laurie- 
A Records Management Professional, and proud of the fact!
Consultant/Trainer/Tutor/Presenter: Records and Information Management
Imaging and Micrographic Specialist: 31 years experience
You may care to visit our web site @ www.records-management.com.au 
< http://www.records-management.com.au/ >

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance