Piql supports GitHub with perpetual data storage

Published November 13, 2019

The announcement came during GitHub’s Universe conference in San Francisco, where the company announced its future focused approach to safeguarding the history of software development: the GitHub Archive Program.

“We’re excited to partner with Piql to help preserve open source software for future generations,” said Kyle Daigle, Director of Special Projects at GitHub. “Piql’s custom film and archiving technologies will allow us to store terabytes of data on a durable medium designed to last for over 1,000 years. We’re delighted that next year every active public GitHub repository will be written to this film, and safeguarded in the Arctic World Archive in Svalbard, for the centuries and generations to come.”

The GitHub team arriving for the deposit in the Arctic World Archive.

With a key focus on perpetuity, GitHub wanted a technology that would not be affected by technological obsolescence and a secure sustainable storage facility.

Piql’s unique approach to keeping data alive without the need for migration or specific technology for future accessibility offered many benefits to GitHub and the many millions of developers worldwide who rely on the platform.

With authenticity measures, no need for data migration and vendor independence, piqlFilm can do what no other technology can: offer perpetual storage.

In addition, storage in the Arctic World Archive (AWA), a safe, resilient, and remote repository of digital world memory, aligned perfectly with GitHub’s objectives. Data stored here can last for over 1,000 years, with ensured readback access regardless of future technology.

In the initial deposit, GitHub has stored 6,000 of its most significant repositories in AWA for perpetuity, capturing the evolution of technology and software. This collection includes the source code for the Linux and Android operating systems; the programming languages Python, Ruby, and Rust; web platforms Node, V8, React, and Angular; cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum; AI tools TensorFlow and FastAI; and many more. GitHub will store all active public repositories as of February 2, 2020.

Managing Director of Piql AS, Rune Bjerkestrand, said that GitHub is significantly shaping world memory by making the first software deposit. “GitHub is leading the way with a future-focused approach to its assets and an inspiring value on history,” he said. “We look forward to a long future of collaboration and innovation together.”

GitHub’s repository will sit alongside digitally preserved national archives from around the world, masterpiece artworks, contemporary sound and visual art, scientific breakthroughs, historical manuscripts, archaeological finds, and many more.

“GitHub is leading the way with a future-focused approach to its assets and an inspiring value on history,” he said. “We look forward to a long future of collaboration and innovation together.”

GitHub’s repository will sit alongside digitally preserved national archives from around the world, masterpiece artworks, contemporary sound and visual art, scientific breakthroughs, historical manuscripts, archaeological finds, and many more.