Promoting Interoperability and Standardization in the HKSAR Government Stephen Mak Deputy Director of Information Technology Services Forum on E-Business Interoperability and Standardization 14 May 2004

2 Interoperability – a priority issue as we integrate business activities electronically Examples of local / regional joined-up initiatives Digital Trade and Transportation Network Integrated Criminal Justice Processes Property Information Hub Challenges in relation to interoperability Process Data Technical

3 Tackling technical interoperability Promulgated HKSARG Interoperability Framework version 1 in Nov 2002 a collection of data standards, technical standards and conventions for government agencies to adopt in system interfaces that interact with other government agencies and external parties Tackle technical interoperability by adopting mature and widely adopted standards

4 Tackling data interoperability Strategy Involve stakeholders to align and harmonise data standards in a concerted way Publish data standards for open access ( Facilitate project teams to use data standards Identify reusable data elements from projects to facilitate alignment Participants must share a common vision and be willing to contribute and compromise

5 Business specific standards Defined by the people who possess the domain knowledge Examples of e-government standards Computer-Aided-Drafting Standard for Works Projects Common Spatial Units for Planning, Lands and Public Works Data

6 Business process interoperability and others …. Looking forward to common business practices to be defined by industry associations and international bodies Plus common references, e.g. Commonly used contracts, terms and conditions Business document templates Plus common applications and services Lower entry cost for small and medium enterprises

7 Promotion of interoperability and standardization Open and transparent development process involving the stakeholders proves to be an effective promotion mechanism Received encouraging feedback from the industry; some even advise us to suitably extend the Interoperability Framework outside the government to enhance community data sharing capability

8 Thank You