eXtensible Mark-Up Language (XML) Enabling the exchange and integration of business information Virginia, April 2002

The CCRA XML Experience CCRA Context Current status Proposed strategy Strategic and tactical streams Examples Internal initiatives Cross government initiatives Partnering opportunities What we have learned to date Our next steps

XML - the CCRA context XML offers CCRA: Improved sharing of information and standardized information Reduced costs and faster development Improved security What are some of our challenges? External pressures from: Other departments and international partners Banks and large corporations Evolving standards Internal pressures Expertise Application of knowledge Uncoordinated and inconsistent approach to XML projects in the past

Current status Externally: Participating in initiatives across Government of Canada Engaging other governments (provincial and international) and partners Monitoring XML standards activity Influencing standards Developing strategies for incorporating XML within CCRA Internally Developing an enterprise approach Approaching from information, technology and integration perspectives Defining strategic and tactical initiatives Undertaking pilots and proof of concept within the enterprise approach Examples of current projects and short pressures Using a task force to flesh out this approach

CCRA proposed XML strategy Two streams Strategic Long term growth opportunities Tactical Immediate needs and pressures (tools, projects, etc.) Defining our approach Information (content) Business and corporate Infrastructure (packaging or containers) Technology Integration and application

Strategic Information (content) Define processes and procedures surrounding naming Define how the registry and repository will be managed Declare standards and establish center of expertise Validate business infrastructure and needs Common data model Information Life Cycle principles Technology (container) Establish development processes and practices Establish technical infrastructure and needs Establish technical centers of expertise Integration Discover needs and processes Establish standards

Tactical Support current and immediate projects Learn and evolve Prove the concepts Information (content) Consolidating existing tag names and identifying attribute needs from business drivers Defining semantics; descriptors, creating tags (using existing EDI as a basis) Technology (container) Evaluating existing tools in use Determining tool categories and candidate tools Selecting and implementing tools Integration Ensuring content and container standards work together (process) Example: Do we use an XML native database or relational database for registry/repository?

Internal initiatives Integrated Product Index (IPI) Corporate Financial Systems (EISO) Mag Media Benefits Program Electronic Reports Child Credit Program Provincial partners and other government departments Future Projects Enterprise document management Decision support / performance measurement

Cross government initiatives Streamlining Service Delivery Using E-forms (SSDUE) Proof of concept with RCMP, Health, Police, and Customs using XML to replace paper forms for drug seizures Electronic Supply Chain With Public Works and Government Services Canada Integrated Justice Initiative (RCMP) With the RCMP working on defining modeling and tagging Other provinces Business Number (BN) links

Partnering opportunities Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Discussions surrounding XBRL House of Commons Prism project Tagging standards Sharing experiences with International Customs and Tax Organizations

What we have learned to date It’s all about the business… XML is 80% business and information management and 20% technical. We need clear long term and short term plans We need to partner with others and leverage their learning Different standards require different approaches / leads Business languages Partners/International Defining our information / requirements Enterprise focus is required (strategic and tactical) Knowing when we should use XML (and when we shouldn’t).

Next steps Continue to seek out opportunities for collaboration Internationally Domestically Action our proposed XML strategy Position our organization appropriately Pilot projects and proof of concepts Continue to monitor and influence standards

Questions?