Appendix A: Draft URN namespace semantics

A1 Introduction

Purpose

The main body of this document proposes a common convention for uniquely identifying XML namespaces. The proposal discusses why this is important and outlines a possible way of creating a hierarchical structure based on NZGLS, in particular FONZ and SONZ.

This appendix proposes a method to create and assign new identifiers in the proposed hierarchy, using NZGLS terms.

Scope

This appendix focuses on the "govt" specifier of the NZL URN namespace. Other specifiers such as "com" or "mil" are not covered in this document. However, there is no reason that these specifiers could not adopt part or all of the syntax proposed here for their parts of the NZL namespace.

Audience

This proposal is primarily directed to Chief Information Officers, IT Managers, IT Strategists, Enterprise and Solution Architects and developers complying with e-GIF. This document discusses a technical subject and some understanding of XML is required.

It is assumed that the reader has read the main body of this proposal document ("URN - A Unique/UniformResource Identifier naming convention and scheme for XML namespaces"). Because this appendix makes frequent reference to NZGLS, SONZ and FONZ, it is recommended that the reader has a passing familiarity with NZGLS (see http://www.e.govt.nz/nzgls/).