This is a continuation of the approach taken to records and files in the paper environment. The focus of VERS, whilst being primarily related to document type electronic objects, has applicability to other object formats and future developments may mandate standards for these. VERS is sufficiently flexible to support any electronic record in any format. Record keeping requires a long term approach but computer systems and applications change or become obsolete very rapidly. Several issues have been identified as an impediment to the long term management of electronic records.
Document formats change and become unreadable over time.
Electronic objects can be subject to undetectable change thereby making it difficult to maintain the evidentiary and accountability status of the records. The context of an electronic record, and its relationship to other records, can easily be lost. Existing systems for managing electronic documents do not preserve the content, structure, context and evidential integrity of the record for as long as the record may be required. Each of these issues has been addressed in the development of the Victorian Electronic Records Strategy.