What is ISO 8749:2018?

ISO 8749:2018 is a technical standard that defines the requirements for computer programs that create, process, and manipulate electronic documents. It specifies the functionalities and capabilities that software applications should possess in order to be compliant with industry standards and best practices.

The Purpose of ISO 8749:2018

The primary purpose of ISO 8749:2018 is to ensure interoperability and compatibility between different software applications that handle electronic documents. By adhering to this standard, software developers can guarantee that their programs can exchange documents seamlessly, regardless of the platform or operating system they are running on.

ISO 8749:2018 also aims to provide guidelines and recommendations for the development of reliable and secure electronic document management systems. It addresses issues such as data integrity, security measures, authentication processes, and preservation techniques.

Main Features of ISO 8749:2018

ISO 8749:2018 outlines several key features that software applications should incorporate:

Document Structure: The standard specifies how electronic documents should be structured and organized. It defines the layout, typography, headings, tables, images, and other elements used in document creation.

Metadata: ISO 8749:2018 establishes guidelines for metadata, which provides information about the document itself. This includes details such as authorship, creation date, revision history, keywords, and document properties.

Document Versioning: The standard recommends methods for version control of electronic documents. It defines how different versions of a document should be identified, tracked, and managed throughout its lifecycle.

Electronic Signatures: ISO 8749:2018 addresses the use of electronic signatures for authentication and integrity verification purposes. It outlines the requirements for creating, verifying, and preserving electronic signatures in a secure manner.

Archiving and Preservation: The standard provides guidelines for the long-term preservation of electronic documents. It outlines strategies for data backup, storage formats, migration processes, and any necessary metadata or documentation required for future access.

Benefits of Adhering to ISO 8749:2018

Adopting ISO 8749:2018 can bring several benefits to software developers, organizations, and end-users:

Interoperability: Ensures seamless exchange of electronic documents between different systems and applications.

Data Integrity: Provides measures to maintain the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of electronic documents.

Security: Defines guidelines for implementing robust security measures, protecting sensitive information, and preventing unauthorized access.

Efficiency: Enables efficient document creation, processing, retrieval, and archiving.

Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements and industry standards regarding electronic document management.

In conclusion, ISO 8749:2018 plays a crucial role in establishing a standardized framework for software applications that handle electronic documents. By adhering to this technical standard, organizations can ensure compatibility, interoperability, and security in their document management systems, thus enabling efficient and reliable document exchange and preservation.