1. 1 The National Environmental Information Exchange Network Lessons Learned in Data Exchange Mitch West, Executive Coordinator Portland, Oregon January 22, 2010

2. 2 Introduction to the Exchange Network What is the Exchange Network? How did we build it? Why should you care?

3. 3 What is the Exchange Network? HTTP servers using SOAP messaging and a common WSDL to enable synchronous and asynchronous blah-blah, blah-blah... An Internet and standards-based method for exchanging environmental information between partners. A common approach to sharing data that lets you use your partners’ data as if it is a part of your own systems.

4. 4 Chesapeake Bay Watershed

5. 5 BMP Challenge: No standard template No set technology to deliver the data A requirement for data manipulation prior to modeling due to disparate spatial scales and processing discrepancies. Coordinated (federal and state) financial and business processes involved

6. 6 The Exchange Network is A Federal, State, tribal and territorial partnership Jointly governed by its members Focused on Exchange, and only exchange Technology neutral

7. 7 The Parts (your names may vary) Data Standards Data Exchange Templates (Schema) Trading Partner agreements Access protocols Transport

8. 8 Keys to success Set expectations early—no losers –Let’s talk Fork Length –An exchange standard is not a business rule Demonstrate success—extract value, and more will follow –Avoid perfection –Search for a visionary leader –Find a real world problem, big enough to me meaningful, small enough to tackle

9. 9 Potholes and Rabbit Trails “Let’s take this opportunity to solve world hunger” Confusing exchange standards with business practice standards Designing applications rather than exchanges “A comprehensive data warehouse”

10. 10 How and Who Project: Assemble partnership (avoid 900 pound gorillas) Define success Start with subject matter experts IT comes later “A” team only Resources Exchange Network Existing standards NIEM Professional Facilitation Staff with time for real work!

11. 11 Technology Continuum “Sneaker Net” … FTP … Web Query Tools … Web Services “ Take only what you need ”

12. 12 Not Just for EPA Projects NatureServe species, habitat data. –Secure, repeatable The Climate Registry Earth 911—Beach Advisories Local projects Interagency

13. 13 Questions? Need Info www.exchangenetwork.net Mitch.West@exchangenetwork.net