e-GIF: Future path for xNAL(nz) and xNAL(international)

The e-GIF is a framework of standards and policies, most of which pre-existed the e-GIF, that have been endorsed for departmental use when implementing IT systems. Standards may be recommended or mandatory parts of the e-GIF. The e-GIF is governed by the State Services Commissioner, who is advised by the e-GIF Management Committee. More information about the e-GIF may be found on its website at www.e.govt.nz/interoperability/index.html.

The XML based group of data standards includes the Name and Address Language (xNAL) standard. This was originally developed by the international standards body, OASIS, a not-for-profit, international consortium that drives the development, convergence and adoption of e-business standards. This xNAL(international) standard is mandatory in the e-GIF. Through 2003 a working group of public and private sector representatives met and refined the standard for New Zealand conditions. The body of work they produced now provides a standard way of representing New Zealand names and addresses. More information about the New Zealand xNAL (xNAL(nz)) can be found at www.e.govt.nz/docs/xnal-guidelines-1-0/index.html

On May 10 2004, the e-GIF Management Committee wrote to you noting that it had resolved that the xNAL(nz) Name and Address Standard (see www.e.govt.nz/docs/xnal-guidelines-200312/index.html) was to become a Recommended standard in the e-GIF with immediate effect. The letter also noted that the Committee was considering whether to make this xNAL(nz) standard mandatory. Agencies were invited to provide feedback on the proposal.

The responses received were, in general, very positive with respect to having a name and address standard. However, a number of agencies noted that it was very important to stay in step with the xNAL(international) standard on which xNAL(nz) is based. The xNAL(nz) standard was developed because the xNAL(international) standard was not structured for ease of use with New Zealand names and addresses. The proposed version 3 of the xNAL(international) standard moves much closer to the structure needed by New Zealand.

As a consequence of this feedback the e-GIF Management Committee has agreed that xNAL(nz) will remain as a Recommended e-GIF standard, pending the successful introduction of xNAL(international) version 3 in the coming years, and will ultimately be modified to become an implementation guideline for xNAL(international) version 3.

The Committee also agreed that, subject to standard processes being followed, the following next steps should be taken:

• xNAL(international) version 3 will be piloted as soon as it is publicly released, anticipated to be Q4 2005; and
• xNAL(international) version 3 will ultimately replace xNAL(international) version 2 as a Mandated standard following a successful pilot period and a period as a Recommended standard. This is expected to be sometime in 2007/8.

If you have any questions about this future path for xNAL, can you please contact Colin Wallis at e-gif@ssc.govt.nz.

Yours sincerely

Warren Tucker
Chair, e-GIF Management Committee

Distribution: Public Service Departments
Non-Public Service Departments Selected Crown Entities Local Authorities
Offices of Parliament