March 2002 — Special Feature

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The Work Behind SIF's Framework

Data Objects cover many types of information utilized in schools. For example, a student's name, address and phone number are part of the "StudentPersonal" Data Object. By having different software programs understand this common definition of student data, it is possible for them to share this information properly. The Specification currently defines 19 Data Objects; an additional 40 Data Objects are in draft with more to be defined as the Specification evolves. In addition to Data Objects, the Specification also defines the set of rules for how software programs actually transport and process these Objects. This set of rules is called the "Infrastructure," and uses common Internet and networking communications protocols.

By using industry standards to transport these Data Objects, SIF ensures that any and all software vendors will be able to use the SIF framework, and that all school systems should be able to implement it regardless of what kinds of software applications they use. Ensuring that SIF is vendor neutral and platform independent is an important guiding principle of SIF, and is the foundation of the long-term viability of the Specification.

As one can imagine, bringing together representatives from more than 100 competing software companies to agree on a common set of rules and definitions is a long, complex process. Because SIF is a voluntary organization, without the dedication of the companies and individuals involved, progress would have been impossible. In fact, though there are similar efforts underway in other industries to define standards, few are quite as far along as SIF.

The current Specification is the second release, and has been through enough internal review and technical analysis that SIF is encouraging its members to begin deploying their SIF-enabled applications in sites around the country. Schools and districts are encouraged to begin asking for SIF-enabled applications and requiring SIF participation in their RFPs. SIF has even created some sample RFP language that is available on the SIF Web site (www.sifinfo.org) below.

SIF-Recommended RFP Language

1. Describe your company's commitment to SIF.

2. Is your company registered as a SIF endorser or participant?

3. SIF Involvement:

  • List your company's primary business and technical SIF contacts.
  • List SIF leadership positions held by staff in your organization.
  • List SIF working groups in which your company actively participates and staff hours of company involvement in each working group.

4. Proposed Applications and SIF Compliance: