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About Becta

Becta leads the national drive to inspire and lead the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning.

 

Statement of intent on interoperability from DCSF, DIUS and Becta

Statement of intent

We have been actively engaged in finding open approaches to enable the easy flow of data between multiple information services, systems and products regardless of who produces or supplies them. A high degree of compatibility - interoperability in the jargon - is the foundation for effective, efficient and economic information management. It means - subject always to the primacy of information security considerations - better collaboration between partners, more agile applications, getting better returns on software investments and, most importantly, better meeting the needs of users whether they be teachers, learners, decision makers or others through, for example, joining up learning platform and management information system functions.

Becta, the lead national partner for educational technology, has identified and researched the Systems Interoperability Framework (SIF) [formerly known as the Schools Interoperability Framework]. Becta is clear that SIF has proven potential to deliver a wide range of benefits at the front line and at local and national levels, and now recommends SIF as a preferred solution. Proof of concept projects and other development work continues. But the expectation is that the SIF standard will be adopted by local authorities and system suppliers to meet specific local business needs over the next 18 months or so. These activities will mainly focus on front-line service delivery.

The current view of SIF is both optimistic and positive. At this stage we believe that SIF has much potential as a universal national standard - "schools" in the title refers to SIF's origins not its limitations. For obvious reasons we need to be sure before such adoption. So we will continue to consult and work with partners; including engaging the system-wide Information Standards Board and its Technical Support Service and assessing the impact on business processes. We are unlikely to make critical decisions before 2010 but it is our presumption that, providing it does not cut across other objectives, the sector will use this platform to work towards a national deployment of SIF. 

To summarise, we see SIF as being the direction of travel unless any as yet unforeseen and insurmountable barriers come to light.

Notes

The statement of intent has been agreed by Bill Rammell MP (Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education) and Jim Knight MP (Minister for Schools and Learners).