e-GIF
e-GIF is the UK eGovernment Interoperability Framework.[1]
It is an ambitious exercise intended to resolve and prevent (or at least minimise) problems arising from incompatible content of different computer systems.
What are the aims of e-GIF?
- to enable the seamless flow of information across government / Public Service Organisations
- to set practical standards using stable well supported products
- to provide support, guidance and toolkits to enable the standards to be met
- to provide a long-term strategy that is able to accommodate and adapt.
Key e-GIF policies
- alignment with the Internet: the universal adoption of common specifications used on the Internet and World Wide Web for all public sector information systems
- adoption of XML as the primary standard for data integration and presentation tools for all public sector systems
- adoption of the browser as the key interface; all public sector information systems are to be accessible through browser based technology; other interfaces are permitted but only in addition to browser based ones
- the addition of metadata to government information resources
- the development and adoption of the e-Government Metadata Standard (e-GMS) based on the international Dublin Core model
- the development and maintenance of the Government Category List (GCL).
- adherence to the e-GIF Technical Standards Catalogue
- adherence to the e-GIF is mandated throughout the public sector.
Selection of e-GIF specifications has been driven by
- interoperability - only specifications that are relevant to systems interconnectivity, data integration, e-services access and content management are specified
- market support - the specifications selected are widely supported by the market, and are likely to reduce the cost and risk of government information systems
- scalability - specifications selected have capacity to be scaled to satisfy changed demands made on the system, such as changes in data volumes, number of transactions or number of users
- openness - the specifications are documented and available to the public at large.
Establishing competence and capability in e-GIF
- The e-GIF Accreditation Authority[2] accredits organisations for their capability and competence in delivering e-GIF compliant solutions. There is also a programme of individual certifications at Foundation and Expert levels aimed at developing and recognising e-GIF skills and experience, referenced against an e-GIF Competency Framework.
- The e-GIF Compliance Assessment Service[3] offers a self-assessment tool for e-GIF compliance in projects and programmes.
News sites which cover e-gif developments
- The e-GIF Accreditation Authority[2]
- The e-GIF Compliance Assessment Service[3]
- Kablenet[4] includes e-gif developments in their coverage in their reporting on UK and other eGovernment
- Support Insight [5] has published several articles on e-GIF and is monitoring its progress.
References
External links