eGIF Standard

Improved public services tailored to the needs of the citizen, public services and businesses, as defined in the government’s UK online strategy, requires the integrated flow of information across government. The eGovernment Interoperability Framework (eGIF) sets out the government’s technical specifications and policies for achieving interoperability and information system integration across the entire public sector. The eGIF standard defines the essential pre-requisites for web-enabled and joined-up government.

The eGIF standard is the fundamental framework policy of the eGovernment Strategy. Specific goals were set out in the Government’s Modernising Government White Paper, including:

• Modernising public services – joined-up and focused on the citizen
  
• Accessible information services – 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week
  
• Citizen-driven electronic government
  
• Multi-channel access.

What are the main features of the eGIF?

The main thrust of the Framework is the adoption of Internet and World Wide Web standards. There has been a strategic decision to adopt eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and the eXtensible Style Sheet Language (XSL) as the core standards for data integration and presentation. This includes the definition and central provision of XML schemes for use throughout the public sector. XML was chosen because it is a simple and very flexible text-based format that allows a wide variety of data to be exchanged easily across the web and elsewhere.

At the highest level, complying with the policies and standards of the eGIF standard covers four key areas:

• A browser interface for easy access
  
• Using XML as the primary means for data integration
  
• Using Internet and World Wide Web standards
  
• Using meta data for content management.

Where does eGIF apply?

The eGIF is mandatory for exchanges of information and interactions in the following scenarios:

• Between different public sector organisations
  
• Between public sector organisations and non-public sector organisations
  
• Between public sector organisations and the citizen.

Any user or recipient of public sector services is classed as a ‘citizen’. Citizens are under no obligation or requirement to use public sector services electronically. However, electronic services must be offered as an option whenever this is appropriate and in accordance with their wishes, and when this is offered, they then must use appropriate eGIF standards.

Does eGIF apply to new & legacy systems?

Any new systems procured by the public sector must apply a test to the system. The test is ‘does this system have an interaction with citizens, other public sector organisations or a private sector organisation?’ If the answer is ‘yes’, that interaction must then use the appropriate eGIF standards.

With existing legacy systems, the same test applies and, similarly, if the answer is ‘yes’, then it must also use the appropriate eGIF standards.

If the answer to either of the above is ‘no’, then there is an additional test of ‘should it’ in order to comply with electronic service delivery targets. If the answer to this question is ‘yes’, then again, it too must then use the appropriate eGIF standards.

What is the justification for eGIF?

The adoption of the eGIF standards is not a business goal in its own right. The eGIF is the overall framework to support and enable the electronic delivery of public services. This adoption should form part of the business and information strategy of every public sector organisation. As with any business investment, the adoption of the eGIF standards must form part of a complete information strategy with a clearly defined business case. This strategy must assess the risks, benefits and affordability of the adoption.

What version of eGIF?

New public sector systems should be developed to comply with the eGIF specifications in force on the day approval is given for the business case. Compliance with the eGIF is one of the criteria that central Government will use when assessing and evaluating ebusiness strategies and deciding on the release of future funding. For implementations where there is a service contract with a supplier, the user should specify the version of the eGIF (and related standards) which will apply and how to maintain compatibility with the eGIF as it evolves. For systems developed in-house, similar provisions will need to be incorporated into all implementation and maintenance plans.

How can Activedition help?

The adoption of the eGIF across the range of electronic services offered by the public sector need not be a complex and difficult task. Activedition is designed to ensure that compliance with eGIF is a simple task. We have extensive knowledge of World Wide Web standards, XML, XSL, multi-channel delivery and meta data standards (including Dublin Core). By adopting eGIF, public sector organisations will reduce the costs and the risks of supplying their services electronically whilst, at the same time, aligning these services with the Internet.

More detailed information about eGIF is available from the UK Govtalk site: http://www.govtalk.gov.uk

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