The preferred PID scheme In consideration of the foregoing, the strongest option across the studied major dimensions of the available Handle System PID schemes and operational modes is for DiSSCo to use DOIs to identify Digital Specimens. The case for choosing DOI comes out slightly more strongly than choosing ePIC for reasons related to the substantial achievements, operational experience and reputation of DOI/ IDF to date. Operating under another Handle-system prefix than those used by IDF and ePIC is the substantially weakest option because of the difficulties associated with introducing an identifier that is not perceived to be a DOI. The term ‘DOI’ is trademarked by the IDF and thus not available for describing other identifiers. The practical and sensible avenue to explore further are the options to establish and become an RA member of the DOI Foundation (option A5) and to enter a strategic alliance at the level of the DOI Foundation (option A1). These options are likely most effective when actioned in combination.