The new "International Image Interoperability Framework" (IIIF) defines a standardised URL syntax to serve digital images online in the field of cultural heritage and research. The region of interest, resolution, rotation and file format can be indicated on the URL. However, most of the current implementations are not specifically designed for the uses in an environment were persistence and permanence is crucial. A well implemented and embedded IIIF-server has therefore positive implications to the organisation of long-term preservation of digital image files. In the context of a national data center for the long-term access to research data in the humanities, we implemented an IIIF compliant image server with both high performance services for virtual research environments as well as long-term preservation of these images in mind.