Data preservation refers to the process of maintaining and protecting digital information over time. This involves storing data in formats that remain accessible and usable, even as technology evolves. Organizations often implement strategies to ensure that important records, such as scientific research, historical documents, or personal files, are not lost due to hardware failures or software obsolescence. Effective data preservation includes regular backups, using reliable storage media, and following best practices for data management. It also involves creating metadata, which provides context and information about the data, making it easier to retrieve and understand in the future.