What is a standard?
A standard is a published document that contains a technical specification or other precise criteria designed to be used consistently as a rule, guideline, or definition. Standards help to make life simpler and to increase the reliability and the effectiveness of many goods and services we use. They are a summary of best practice and are created by bringing together the experience and expertise of all interested parties.
[Source: The British Standards Institution]
An interoperability standard is a technical specification which allows software and hardware on different computers to exchange and use information. XML is the standard language for exchanging data between computer systems.
Why are standards important?
It is important to ensure that common standards are adopted across the public sector to ensure that the right building blocks are in place to support the continuous improvement of public service delivery. Standards for e-government should provide trusted solutions and working practices that save individual organisations from having to re-invent the wheel or being unaware of required standards.
This section provides information and guidance for standards developers and is split into the following sections.
Development
What to do if you are developing a standard and what resources are available to help.
Submission
Guidance and instructions for submitting standards to OSIAF, including the submission form.
Standards Catalogue
Browse the OSIAF standards catalogue to view information about approved standards and standards currently in development.
Other Standards Bodies
View information about other standards bodies involved in public and voluntary sector standards development.
Footnote
Permission to reproduce this extract is granted by The British Standards Institution. British Standards can be obtained from BSI Customer Services, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001. Email: cservices@bsi-global.com.