Data are retrievable by their identifier using a standardized communications protocol
The protocol is open, free, and universally implementable
The protocol allows for an authentication and authorization procedure, where necessary
Metadata are accessible, even when the data are no longer available
Metadata is the information that explains what your data is; it's the documentation that explains how to read and understand your data files. This can range from a robust ReadMe file to structured, machine readable metadata. Read more about documentation and metadata on our Data Management Best Practices guide.
Publishing this information about your data to create a record of your data will allow others to know your data existed at one time. This is useful if you have requirements to destroy your data or other circumstances require or results in the unavailability of your data.
