What does the term "format migration" refer to?

The term "format migration" specifically refers to the process of transferring digital data from one file format to another. This is often necessary to ensure the continued accessibility and usability of digital assets, as software and file formats can become outdated or unsupported over time. For example, migrating a document from an older word processing format to a more current and widely used format allows users to maintain access to the content and functionalities associated with that document.

In archival practices, format migration is a critical strategy for digital preservation, ensuring that important data is not lost due to obsolescence of file types. It allows archives to adapt to technological changes while mitigating risks related to data degradation or format incompatibility. Through this process, the original content is preserved while ensuring compliance with current technological standards, thereby aiding in long-term data accessibility and preservation.

The other options do not embody the essence of format migration, as they either limit the process to physical formats, pertain to file duplication rather than conversion, or refer to updating software without addressing the need for changing file formats themselves.