That brings up an interesting point about storage.... do tapes even reliably store data that long? Even cdroms and DVDs, are being critisized for failling after only a few short years ( even though they are touted to last 100's of years). It would seem to me, that with that sort of "30 year requirement", that there should be a organization-wide "data storage standard format" (with simple error recovery methods), and a tested medium to put it on. Something like everything must be dumped to XML before written to some high quality medium, which will be stored in a temp-controlled, lead-lined vault.

That is a good "breaucratic solution" because it involves alot of new staff, paperwork, and funds. :-)