Use of the ebXML framework in eGovernment and eHealth

The Criminal Justice system in the Netherlands has adopted ebXML Messaging for inter-agency communication and is probably unique in also using ebXML concepts for its business process and content specification part. It uses the UBL Naming and Design rules for XML schema generation and the ebXML BPSS model complex business partner interactions. We discuss motivation for ebMS and alternatives encountered in similar contexts. The main driver for many eGovernment initiatives worldwide is to improve efficiency and quality of services delivered to citizens and businesses. This includes enabling selfservice using Web portals and gateways to government services. Less visible to citizens and businesses, eGovernment initiatives are set up to increase operational efficiency of government agencies and to make better information available to enable better services. An eGovernment initiative called Electronische Berichtenuitwisseling in de Strafrechtsketen, or EPV (URL http://www.e-pv.nl/) was set up in the Netherlands to deploy electronic messaging between the various organizations in the Criminal Justice System. It facilitates collaboration and participates in (some key) projects of partners, but does not develop any systems itself. The programme currently covers both communication between police organizations and prosecution (where the system is to replace paper-based communication) communication between Police and a collection agency (where an existing EDI system is due to be replaced), and is ultimately expected to cover the vast majority of police cases. The deliverables of these activities are analyses and standardized descriptions of electronic interactions between business partners. At the time of writing, there are 23 XML business document schemas, derived from a set of 583 data elements. The XML schemas are generated from business document and data element specifications in an automated way, using the OASIS Universal Business Language (UBL) XML Naming and Design Rules (NDRs) supporting the ebXML Core Components concept. The process descriptions are similarly but more informally based on another part of ebXML, the Business Process Specification Schema.