What is pdf/a?

http://www.aiim.org/documents/...ards/19005-1_FAQ.PDF

Take a look. This is a FAQ from the standardization team that is working on the file format.

http://www.aiim.org/search?q=PDF A

A search for other PDFs that have things like the FAW, best practices, and the like.

awesome, thanx

My understanding is that PDF/A is the "archive" format and the main thing about it is that it does not rely upon any external links for fonts, graphics, etc.

that is correct. The idea if to create a format that can outlast the programs that made it. There is a fear that existing file formats would become unreadable as the pace of technology leaves them behind. The PDF/A is supposed to be application independant.

PDF-A requires files to be self contained with some key requirements being no security, font to be embedded, no multi-media, no javascript, no attachments, no transparencies, no layers and no acrobat pro binders. Some major government bodies are already mandating PDF-A usage (including I believe certain parts of the US court system) and many are already recommending and are expected to mopve over to mandate including Euroopean commission, Germand and French governments etc. Many MFPs and PDF publishing software supports PDF A creation. Hope this helps

I have heard that the U.S. Federal Court System is requiring PDF-A.

Does anyone know if the Ricoh's can use PDF-A's? Is this an option?

I'll check, I believe so thats why I posted this a few months ago

Back in August 2010 I was told the following,
"Although PPDM does address the PDF/A format, the copiers only support PDF/I for image....

Type f and later copiers will support PPDM without fail, the older copiers are an "iffy" solution as per Ricoh Tech Support."

This was in response to the US District Court asking for PDF-A formatting.

What is a type "f" copier? What is a PDF/I?

Never heard of an "I".

Proper subsets of PDF have been, or are being, standardized under ISO for several constituencies:

PDF/X for the printing and graphic arts as ISO 15930 (working in ISO TC130)
PDF/A for archiving in corporate/government/library/etc environments as ISO 19005 (work done in ISO TC171)
PDF/E for exchange of engineering drawings (work done in ISO TC171)
PDF/UA for universally accessible PDF files

A PDF/H variant (PDF for Healthcare) is being developed. However, it may consist more of a set of "best practices" than of a specific format or subset.