Openscotland Information Age Framework

Craig Russell21st Century Government Unit, Scottish

Executive

29th October 2004

OSIAF - An Interoperability Framework

• An interoperability framework can be defined as a set of standards and guidelines which describe the way in which organisations have agreed, or should agree, to interact with each other. An interoperability framework is, therefore, not a static document and may have to be adapted over time as technologies, standards and administrative requirements change.

Aspects of Interoperability

• Technical interoperabilityCovers the technical issues of linking up computer systems and services. This includes key aspects such as open interfaces, interconnection services, data integration and middleware, data presentation and exchange, accessibility and security services.

• Organisational interoperabilityConcerned with defining business goals, modelling business processes and bringing about the collaboration of administrations that wish to exchange information.

• Semantic interoperabilityConcerned with ensuring that the precise meaning of exchanged information is understandable by any other application not initially developed for this purpose.

A Hierarchy of Interest

• Openscotland Information Age Framework– e-Gif not always appropriate

• E-Gif– For projects with a pan-UK dimension

• European Interoperability Framework (EIF)– For projects with a pan-European dimension

Purpose of Interoperability

• effectiveness: e.g., eGovernment will not be limited to the provision of standard administration services by electronic means; they will also allow the delivery of entirely new services;

• efficiency: e.g., improved access to information and cost reduction by integrating local, regional and national administrations;

• flexibility: e.g., multi-channel access to information and services for every citizen and enterprise, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;

• transparency: e.g., ease of finding and consuming services, thus allowing citizens and enterprises better access to and participation in administrative matters and political issues.

What is OSIAF?

• Openscotland is all about improving the delivery of Public Services.

• OSIAF is about promoting interoperability by the use of open standards.

• OSIAF is necessary because Devolved Administrations are voluntary partners of the e-GIF.

• Scotland is pushing forward in this area (and may encounter the need for new standards) particularly as a result of MGF.

What is CISAG?

• OSIAF is produced on behalf of the Scottish Ministers by CISAG (the Common Infrastructure Standards Group) to promote interoperability standards to the Scottish public and voluntary sectors and their partners.

• CISAG has members from many bodies including the voluntary sector, LAs, SOCITM, CoSLA and Scottish Enterprise.

• CISAG’s broader remit is to oversee the development of, and compliance with, the standards specified in the OSIAF.

What is the link to e-GIF?

• The 21st CGU sits on many of the Cabinet Office’s working groups.– We can (and have) influenced what is

included in the e-GIF.

• IAG and OSIAF currently fully adopt the e-GIF.

Why have a separate OSIAF?

• To allow Scotland to adopt new standards ahead of e-GIF if necessary;

• It gives substance to the Executive’s commitments and clear endorsement of the importance that the Scottish Executive places on Open Standards

• OSIAF provides a mechanism for Scottish Standards adoption into e-GIF thus maintaining UK interoperability;

• It covers more than e-GIF– e.g. ISO/IEC 17799 Information Security Management;– Procedures and good practice guidance and;– OSIAF Roles

What are OSIAF Roles?

• OSIAF includes the following roles:– Public Authority Chief Executives and other e-

champions;– OSIAF Co-ordinators;– OSIAF Technical Assurance Co-ordinators

(OSIAF TAC);– Public Services IT/Programme & Project

Managers;– Suppliers and;– Procurement & Legal Professionals.

OSIAF Standards Process

Define programme deliverable Notifiy future standard submission to 21CGUMaintain progress reporting/consultation

Standard approved by relevant Programme Board Passed to 21CGU for ratification21CGU undertake assurance process

Standard ratified by 21CGUPassed to CISAG for consideration and approval

CISAG formally approves standard Standard adopted into OSIAFFormal notification made via OSIAF web pages

For future Consideration

Under review

Recommended for

consideration

Adopted

e-G

IFStatus

Check if standard exists

Verify if require to post

to Govtalk

Assess feedback from eGU/Govtalk

What is Next?

• OSIAF Workshops:– General Awareness and;– Greater detail: technical and procedural.

• OSIAF resources on the Openscotland web site.

• OSIAF technical assurance for National Infrastructure.

How Important?

• OSIAF is mandated on the Scottish Executive, Agencies and NDPBs and where the Scottish Executive provides funding.

• We want all those in the Public Sector, who are not mandated, to become voluntary partners.

• The Scottish Executive will provide one years free access to the NCC Compliance Assessment Service to public bodies that attend the workshops and become voluntary partners.

• We also want suppliers of ICT products to clearly state their OSIAF compliance.

• The workshops will provide information on the Accreditation of Organisations and the Certification of individuals that links to professional qualification schemes.

Summary

Improved Public Services

OSIAF

I N T E R O P E R A B L E

Thank you for your attention21st Century Government Unit

osiaf@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

0131 244 1585