Archivematica vs Arkivum

Archivematica is an open-source application for preserving digital content and maintaining long-term access to it. It supports processing from ingest through access in line with the ISO-OAIS functional model, using standards including METS, PREMIS, Dublin Core, and BagIt. Archivists can configure ingest choices and control steps such as format identification, privacy checks, package extraction, transcription, and normalization. Its editable Format Policy Registry provides policies for these processes and integrates with PRONOM. The dashboard supports searching archival storage and downloading Archival Information Packages as packages, individual objects, or collections. Deletion through the Storage Service requires justification and approval. Documented integrations include AtoM, ArchivesSpace, Avalon Media System, DuraCloud, Swift, Islandora, Arkivum, Handle.Net, and Dataverse; API references cover Archivematica and the Storage Service. The software is free to download, install, and use. Artefactual offers hosted service starting at $11,440 a year and Enterprise Subscriptions starting at $28,600 a year.

Arkivum is a browser-based SaaS archive for organizations that need long-term data retention and digital preservation. It combines safeguarded storage, preservation copies, search, controlled access and migration support to help keep archived material usable. Data is kept in at least two geographic locations, with a third optional, and receives automated integrity checks alongside immutable storage. Hosting is on AWS, with locations aligned to customer data-sovereignty requirements and an optional Azure escrow copy.

Arkivum can create preservation copies for well over one hundred common file formats while retaining original files. Its browser dashboard supports standard and custom metadata search, full-text search for certain formats, file previews and metadata validation. SharePoint and OneDrive connect through Office 365 integration, while an open API supports other integrations. Regulated archive controls include encryption, audit trails, retention rules, legal holds, access controls and optional SSO. Arkivum targets life sciences, scientific research, cultural institutions and corporate archives, and says it typically works with organizations retaining data for at least 10 years. Pricing and package are tailored to each customer.