The Foundation
About Us
We manage the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) system on behalf of the entities that run DOI registries and provide services to their specific user communities. As the designated registration authority for the ISO standard (ISO 23424) related to the DOI system, our activities are overseen by our Registration Agencies.
Accurate identification is essential across many sectors — from monitoring items throughout a distribution network to ensuring dependable, long-term access to vital digital content. Assigning an identifier at the beginning isn’t enough; it must remain traceable and functional far into the future. The Registration Agencies that support our mission help uphold the durability and effectiveness of the shared DOI framework.
THE DOI-no.org FOUNDATION EXISTS TO ENSURE LONG-TERM ACCESS
We are deeply dedicated to ensuring that the resources our communities care about remain identifiable and consistently reachable — both now and for the generations to come.
Enduring identification doesn’t occur automatically. It demands ongoing stewardship — someone must manage and follow items as they evolve or move. That’s where the DOI system becomes essential. The DOI Foundation brings together a network of connected communities united in pursuit of this shared mission.
Everything we do is centered on assisting our Registration Agencies (RAs) and fellow Member organizations. In turn, these RAs offer important services to their respective communities. They also play a role in guiding the DOI Foundation and collaborate through our unified framework to maintain high standards and share expertise to improve what they provide.
This cooperative network — our social backbone — is just as critical to lasting stability as the technical systems that drive the DOI infrastructure.
THE DOI-no.org FOUNDATION OPERATES UNDER FORMAL STANDARDS
The DOI System is overseen by the ISO Standard (ISO 23424), and the DOI Foundation acts as the official ISO Registration Authority. This position carries a legal responsibility to sustain the system and adhere to its defined policies.
It also guarantees that, if the Foundation were ever unable to continue its operations, another capable organization could assume responsibility for managing the system. This built-in contingency is another way we demonstrate our dedication to long-term stability and consistency.
THE DOI-no.org FOUNDATION SUPPORTS SEAMLESS EXPANSION
The DOI System is based on the Handle System, which was initially created by the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI) in the United States in the early 1990s. It provides a reliable and efficient approach for registering and resolving unique digital identifiers.
Because of this strong underlying framework, the system is extremely scalable — able to support very high volumes of use. In fact, more than 1 billion DOI identifiers are resolved each month.
THE DOI-no.org FOUNDATION OPERATES WITH AN EFFICIENT, SUSTAINABLE MODEL
The DOI System is built upon the Handle System, which was originally developed by the Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI) in the United States in the early 1990s. It provides a clear and effective solution for the registration and resolution of unique digital identifiers.
Thanks to this solid infrastructure, the system is highly adaptable — capable of managing extremely high levels of usage. In fact, more than 1 billion DOI identifiers are resolved each month.
