There is no single format that can address preservation for electronic records. There are, however, many resources on preferred and supported preservation formats promulgated by the worldwide archival community. Advice and strategies relating to file formats should be evaluated with consideration for your existing digital collections and incoming electronic records transfers. Consult format registries regularly to inform processing and preservation practices.
While the concept of using OS/TN formats for preservation provides a solid foundation for many archives, it will not always be possible to utilize OS/TN formats. Details about decisions on why and how to manage digital collections and periodic reviews should be documented. Capture information about file formats in use by record producing units as part of on-going Archives/RM unit advisory activities and records retention schedule updates.
It is a common practice to maintain digital objects in at least two formats: the native format and an OS/TN format that can be used to render the asset without the need for the originating application. As with all formats, including OS/TN formats, it is important to understand the characteristics of the formats of resources held in the digital repository by the Archives and evaluate the risks in preserving them long term. And since technology is constantly changing, be prepared to systematically review supported and preferred file formats to apply during electronic records lifecycle management, transfer to archives and ingest, active digital preservation and access workflows.