Obsolescence
Definition
The end result of a new product or technology superseding the old but still functional one and the use of the new technology in place of the old becoming the preferred option
Obsolescence of information technology systems
Technology continues to evolve and the risk associated with obsolescence of information systems and record management systems must also be considered so that there is not a loss of codified knowledge over time. Many of the existing nuclear projects worldwide started in an era where knowledge was codified using hard copies and paper documents (which require special handling and care for long-term preservation), whereby now they are mostly operating using IT computer based systems. Migration from one media to another can be an expensive and sometime problematic process, with significant risks – however in the digital age migration often becomes inevitable due to the media obsolescence (media failure over time, lack of hardware to access media, lack of software to interpret the data on media, and so on).
Long-term preservation of information along with the evolution of organizational structures of a nuclear project are therefore key aspects to be considered at an early stage when planning knowledge management for all phases of a nuclear project. As it is not possible to foresee the entire technological evolution of information management, the knowledge assets of the project should be captured and codified using open, extensible and standardized technologies and media formats which will ensure that knowledge will be available across all phases.
