Scientific research is supported by infrastructure, and e-infrastructure is one part of this. Repositories of data are a part of the e-infrastructure and have their own particular needs arising from the requirement for permanence of their data holdings. There are many threats to permanence, and there is a growing awareness of these threats and how they may be countered. Current Research Information Systems and other support to the research lifecycle, while focused on facilitating research activities in the present, will have a role in the preservation of the outputs of research into the future.