PDF/A or NOT PDF/A. That is the question!!

Hi

We have recently started using Document Management Software for our paperless office. It appears that you can scan documents using normal PDF or PDF/A-1b formats.

PDF/A-1b format is an archival quality version and allows you to store documents for longer periods.

However, it appears that PDF/A-1b has a bigger file size than the regular PDF.

We wanted to find out whether users have positive/negative experience in this regard based on their know-how of going Paperless:

• What advantages/disadvantages have you found using the PDF/A format?   
• What type of Text or Graphics can be embedded?   
• What about hyperlinks and other attachments on the file?   
• Is it advisable to convert old files to archival version and more recent ones in normal version?
• Should the document be OCR'd prior to conversion of PDF/A or perform it afterwards?

Your feedback will be very much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.