Many different alternatives are being explored as solutions to this emerging problem.

The approaches currently being followed include:

• Backup Tapes. These are cheap and fit in with existing processes but are not searchable or easily accessible, and do not allow for format obsolescence.
• File System. Leaving content on an agreed location on the file system, however protected, is fraught with risk and again does not allow for format obsolescence
• Tiered storage. This is cheaper than using the file system but suffers from the same risks.
• Content / Record Management Systems. Allowing a part of the CMS to be used for archiving is a common approach. However, these management systems allow records to change, may not allow for very large volumes, do not cater for alternative content sources and have a simplistic view of format obsolescence.
• Single content source archives. These include specialist systems aimed at single sources of content, for example email, finance or specific content management systems. If this is all that is needed for archiving and the retention period is short (<7 years) they can be adequate. For longer periods or multiple content sources they start to struggle.
• Archival information systems. The systems currently used for managing paper may be extended to include digital media. However, they are not optimised for automated ingest, tend to have fixed workflows and metadata and do not address format obsolescence
• Open Source Repositories. There are several successful open source repositories that are popular especially in academia. These have their place but often require considerable programming effort to configure, tend to be fairly fixed in what they can do, are not professionally supported and do not address format obsolescence
• Specialist digital archives. Specialist systems such as the Safety Deposit Box are flexible, comprehensive, supported and address format obsolescence head on. For a dedicated archive function they are the best solution.