Create 0011-remove-default-characterization.md

0011-remove-default-characterization.md

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+---
+layout: page
+adr: "0011"
+title: Removal of default characterization rule
+status: proposed
+deciders: Sarah Romkey, 
+date: 2024-08-27
+---
+
+## Context and problem statement
+
+Archivematica is installed with default rules and commands for various preservation actions,
+including characterization, which can be altered by an administrator through the Format
+Policy Registry (FPR). In most cases, rules are set to run according to which format is 
+ingested, but in the case of characterization, there has been a default, or a "fall back" 
+rule, which is to run [FITS](https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/fits) if a more specific rule
+for that format doesn't exist. This ADR proposes to remove that default rule so that 
+characterization is treated like other preservation actions.
+
+## Decision drivers
+
+* The primary decision driver is the maintenance of FITS itself and the lack of a 
+  suitable replacement. FITS is a Java application and running it in a secure way
+  in the Archivematica environment has been a challenge.
+* Due to performance issues with FITS, it has been Artefactual System's recommendation on
+  installation to have the command disabled for some time now. Therefore many Archivematica
+  users are already not using FITS. 
+* We have found that the approach of throwing a large, generalist tool at files and
+  see "what sticks" has not been the most useful approach. In short, it results in 
+  a large quantity of metadata written to the AIP METS files which is of limited
+  utility (see [Issue 703](https://github.com/archivematica/Issues/issues/703) for
+  discussion.)
+* Our primary concern in the FPR now is to make it more maintainable and understandable.
+  We are working toward a future state where changing rules, adding tools, changing
+  commands, etc, is easier and therefore users will be better able to customize the FPR
+  locally.
+* While the universe of open source digital preservation tools is expansive, from consulting
+  [COPTR](https://coptr.digipres.org/index.php/Tool_Functions) there doesn't appear to be
+  a clear replacement for FITS. [Metadata extraction](https://coptr.digipres.org/index.php/Metadata_Extraction)
+  appears to be the closest equivalent to characterization and most of the tools listed are
+  best suited to specific file types. As per the point above, the intention should be that
+  Archivematica users are more easily able to install and use these tools into the FPR
+  should they so choose.
+
+
+## Considered options
+
+* Remove FITS from Archivematica codebase and do not replace
+* Remove FITS from Archivematica codebase and replace with a different generalist
+  characterization tool
+* Maintain the status quo
+
+## Decision outcome
+
+TBD
+
+## Links <!-- optional -->
+