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Interoperability enables the exchange of information between
different computer systems.
The e-Government Interoperability Framework (e-GIF) is an
essential component of e-Government Strategy and sets out
the policy and standards for interoperability across the public
sector. It sets the architecture for joined-up and web-enabled
government, for the UK online portal and Gateway, and for
Electronic Service Delivery (ESD).
- The e-GIF is the result of international consultation
and reflects best practice and advice from experts in both
the public and private sectors working the field of interoperability
- The standards are mandated for all new systems and for
all outward facing legacy systems, i.e. those that are needed
to meet ESD targets
- The e-GIF applies to all interactions between UK government
departments, between UK government and the wider public
sector, between UK government and citizens/businesses, and
between UK government and foreign governments.
The e-GIF:
- Adopts internet and world wide web standards for all government
systems
- Adopts XML (the data language of the internet) as the
key standard for data interchange
- Adopts standards that are well supported by the market
- Aims to reduce the cost and risk for government systems
- Makes the browser the key interface for access and manipulation
of all information
- Provides an implementation strategy using the UK GovTalk™
website as the mechanism for consultation and communication
Recent Developments
The National Computing Centre, with the support of UK online
and the Office of the e-Envoy launched the web based "e-GIF
Compliance Assessment Service" in January 2003.
The Service is aimed at helping UK public sector organisations
and suppliers comply with the e-Government Interoperability
Framework (e-GIF). Adherence to e-GIF standards and policies
is mandatory for IT procurement and joined-up e-government
projects.
The new service provides independent commentary and interpretation
of published e-GIF standards enabling users to quickly access
and digest the latest information.
The Service also includes a Self Assessment tool which provides
public sector organisations with a mechanism to benchmark
their own activities against the Framework, assess their own
levels of compliance and identify what additional work needs
to be carried out.
For those organisations that do require additional work,
the Service also features a directory of relevant product
and service suppliers.
>
e-GIF Compliance Assessment Service
Version 5 of the e-Government Interoperability Framework
was published on 25 April 2003 on UK GovTalk™ website.
The framework now consists of two parts:
Part 1: Framework. Contains the high level policy
statements, management, implementation and compliance regimes.
Part 2: Technical policies and specifications. Contains
the technical policies and tables of specifications, and a
glossary and abbreviations list.
Significant updates have been made to the specifications for
smart cards and guidance on wireless LANS.
- XML data interchange schemas are being developed to support
the UK online life-episodes
- Support and guidance is being provided to other public
sector projects that are looking to deliver joined-up, web-enabled
systems
- The UK GovTalk™ website is being widely used for
all interoperability work
- Discussions are continuing with specialist communities,
e.g. NHS, Local Authorities, the Police, to help them develop
their standards and procedures and the fit with the e-GIF
- Discussions are continuing with the EU Parliament and
other foreign governments who are developing their own interoperability
frameworks.
>
the e-Government Interoperability Framework version 5
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