GovHK |
IT Infrastructure and Standards > Infrastructure for E-government > Interoperability Framework for E-Government
Overview of the Interoperability Framework (IF)
A key business objective of our e-government initiatives is to provide client-centric joined-up government services to the public. Since government services are diverse and are offered by different government Bureaux and Departments (B/Ds), to provide one-stop comprehensive services, we must enable the seamless flow of information, within legal bounds, across individual B/Ds as necessary.
The HKSAR Government has established the IF since 2002 for B/Ds and related organizations to achieve interoperability in the exchange of electronic data and the development of integrated e-government services. The IF is primarily a collection of guidance documents, standards, and specifications that help B/Ds define the interface between interacting applications.
Computer systems implemented on different hardware and software platforms by different B/Ds can interoperate with one another by adopting the IF. Nevertheless, it has no binding influence whatsoever on the methods and forms of electronic interaction among members of the public or businesses.
Data specifications for interface between application systems are defined in Extensible Markup Language (XML), which is a key component of the IF. An XML Co-ordination Group (XMLCG) has been formed to develop strategies to facilitate more effective adoption of XML. In addition, specialist groups in some B/Ds are taking the lead in specifying data exchange standards for their respective business areas.
Development of the IF is a long-term, on-going strategic effort. The overall IF, including the technical specifications, is managed by the Interoperability Framework Co-ordination Group (IFCG). To accommodate new business requirements and keep in pace with technology advancements, the technical standards of IF are regularly reviewed and updated on annual basis by means of a consultative revision process to elicit industry as well as public participation.
The current version of the HKSAR Government IF is version 6.0 and the review cycle of 2008 is underway. We will release the consultation draft on this website for comments by B/Ds, industry and the public in October 2008. The next version of IF will be available by December 2008, with the Chinese version to be published in January 2009.
Feedback and comments on the IF are most welcomed, and should be addressed to the IFCG Standing Office at ifcg@ogcio.gov.hk.
Document Library
The specifications for facilitating interoperability currently include:
o The HKSARG Interoperability Framework version 6.0
Related Documents:
Circulars and promulgations to the general public
o ITSD Circular to Contractors 2/2003 - The HKSARG Interoperability Framework (in PDF) (37KB)
o ITSD Circular to Contractors 1/2004 - Mechanisms to Enhance Data Interoperability (in PDF) (144KB)
o Gazette Notice of Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Chapter 553) published on 11 July 2008 (in PDF) (1079KB)
Analysis of technical standards
o Analysis Underpinning The HKSARG IF Recommendations version 6.0 (in PDF) (426KB) last update December 2007
Specifications for using the Smart Identity Card
o Smart Card Reader Standard
For more information about the Multi-application Smart ID Card (MASC) Programme, please contact the MASC Programme Management Office at masc@ogcio.gov.hk
Industry specific initiatives
o A Discussion Paper on Technical Standards for Health Care Systems (in PDF) (54KB) last update December 1997
o Supplementary note to "A Discussion Paper on Technical Standards for Health Care Systems" (in PDF) (14KB) last update May 2003
o White paper on Standardization of Health Data (in PDF) (227KB) last update September 2006
o Information paper on data sharing in healthcare supply chain (in PDF) (475KB) last update September 2006
o Information paper on Digital Trade and Transportation Network (DTTN) XML Document Structures (in PDF) (72KB) last update November 2006
Common Schemas related documents
o The Registry of Data Standards
( To view and print the PDF document, you need to use an Adobe Acrobat Reader. Please
click here to download if necessary. )
2008 ©| Important notices | Last revision date : 28 July 2008
End of page