Since it was first published in 2001, the original MoReq – Model Requirements for the management of electronic records – has been used widely throughout Europe and beyond. Throughout the European Union, prospective users of electronic records management have recognised the value of using a model specification such as MoReq as the basis for procuring Electronic Records Management Systems and software suppliers have responded by using MoReq to guide their development process.

MoReq is now regarded as an unqualified success. It has been cited many times on many continents and it has a central role on the electronic records management scene.

However, information technology has changed since 2001. There has been growth and evolutionary change in many technology areas that affect the creation, capture and management of electronic records. The new version of MoReq, called MoReq2, addresses the impacts of that technological change. It also takes account of new standards and best practice that have been developed over the last several years. Accordingly, it is written as an evolutionary update of the original MoReq.

MoReq2 for the first time also allows for a software testing regime to be implemented. It is written specifically to support the execution of independent compliance testing and a suite of compliance tests has been developed and published in parallel with the model requirements themselves. The need for rigorously-worded, testable, requirements has led to many changes of wording and expression in MoReq2.

Finally, the years of experience in using and applying MoReq has pointed out the need for national variations, to take into account different national languages, legislation, regulations, and record keeping traditions. For this reason, MoReq2 introduces for the first time a moderated mechanism – called ”Chapter Zero” – to allow member states to add their unique national requirements.

MoReq2 was prepared for the European Commission by Serco Consulting with financing from the European Union's IDABC programme. The development process was overseen by the European Commission working closely with the DLM Forum and drafts were reviewed by DLM Forum experts at key stages in the development. These reviews were in addition to input and review by dozens of users, consultants, suppliers, academics and professional bodies from around the globe, giving MoReq2 an unprecedented level of authority.  As such MoReq2 will be of great value to all those involved in the management of electronic records in Europe and around the world.