Database preservation usually involves converting the information stored in a database to a form likely to be accessible in the long term as technology changes, without losing the initial characteristics (context, content, structure, appearance and behaviour) of the data.[1]
With the prevalence of databases, different methods have been developed to aid in the preservation of databases and their contents. These methods vary depending on database characteristics and preservation needs.[2]
There are three basic methods of database preservation: migration, XML, and emulation.[1] There are also certain tools, software, and projects which have been created to aid in the preservation of databases including SIARD, the Digital Preservation Toolkit, CHRONOS, and RODA.