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National Information Infrastructure - G-7 Applications [3]
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Thomas Kalil's Files
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FOIA Number: 2019-0203-F
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
National Economic Council
Series/Staff Member:
Thomas Kalil
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24530
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National Information Infrastructure - G-7 Applications [3]
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S
19
6
9
1
G
Information
Society
G7 Pilot Projects
Progress reports
Paris, December 20th, 1996
1. Global Inventory Project
GIP2/PROCR7
GLOBAL INVENTORY PROJECT
PROJECT STATUS REPORT
(DECEMBER 17, 1996)
Overall Objectives:
The overall goal of the project is to produce an internet-based multimedia inventory of national and
international projects, studies and other initiatives pertaining to the promotion and further development of
the information society. Its objectives are:
to act as an international point of reference that will assist in the promotion of the information society
to establish a network for the free exchange of information about national and international initiatives
relating to the information society (electronic forum)
to promote and gain understanding of the impact of information society activities on the economy,
industry and society
to foster international alliance building and multinational projects and investments.
Participants:
The project, launched by the G7 Ministers in Brussels in 1995, is co-lead by the European Commission and
Japan. It is hosted in Brussels by the European Commission's Information Society Project Office (ISPO), a
joint initiative of DGIII and DGXIII.
The GIP is OPEN to and welcomes the participation of non-G7 countries and international organisations.
To date, the World Bank (InfoDev Programme) has become a participant in the GIP. Other countries such
as Romania, Slovenia, South Africa and Korea have expressed an interest in the project. Their full
participation will be actively sought during the first quarter of 1997.
Project Status
Since the GIP was launched at the G7 Information Society Conference held in Brussels in February 1995,
the GIP Steering Committee, composed of G-7 National representatives, has met on a number of occasions
to refine project plans and define the technical approach to be used for the project. Consensus on the
technical approach was reached and it was agreed that the GIP would be a decentralised system with a
centralised indexing and directory services thus allowing for a global search facility based on a "set of
keywords". The GIP Host would also maintain an "offshore repository" of information for countries not yet
having their own National Inventory until such an inventory could be created by the country. A common
home page would be created, in the language of G7 countries. The results of the search would bring up a
minimum data set in its original language plus English. A link would be made to the source of the
information (National Inventory or GIP host).
To date, considerable efforts have been made to move GIP Project forward. Each national government has
set up a national server and collection of data is being undertaken according to the Minimum Data Set
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requirements previously defined. The results from each of the G7 National Servers can be summarised as
follows:
CANADA: the server has changed considerably since the last Steering Committee meeting held in
November 1995. It has now become part of the CINCH (national information strategy server). Over 100
initiatives specific to the GIP have been identified to date (both private and public sector) and summary
descriptions of these projects are available in both English and French.
FRANCE: a prototype has been used to date which does not yet have an established link to the GIP
Host. Government funding, however, has recently been received so that the server may be finalised. In
France, a large number of IS projects, from both the private and public sector, will be soon available due to
a new Call for Information Society projects. Project descriptions currently available are in French. Once
fully operational, the French national server, will contain FAQ-service, different access/query possibilities
and cover all sectors of activities.
GERMANY: the national server has been fully operational for about 1 year. The GIP section
contains approximately 50 project summaries both in German and English. Summaries also contain e-mail
references and fttp addresses of full project descriptions.
ITALY: a server is fully operational. Approximately 25 project entries are currently available for
the GIP with summaries being provided in English and Italian. This figure will be increased to over 100
before the end of 1996. Entries, at present, are representative of projects being undertaken by local
governments, large industry in areas such as telecommunications, aerospace, etc.
JAPAN: a new home page for the server was implemented in May 1996 with links from and to the
MPT home page. Approximately 45 initiatives have been identified in Japan and are now available in the
GIP server. Summary descriptions are available in both Japanese and English. From May 1996 to
September 1996 over 30000 hits have been recorded for this server.
UK: the National Server now has approx. 800 project entries with an additional 18 new multimedia
projects soon be provided by DTI. All entries are accessible through HTML links via the WWW using a
combination of text and icons. The database is operated by a private company (Tagish).
USA: the GIP server was designed and implemented to meet the data set specifications defined by
the GIP Steering Committee. 80 projects from the very large National Inventory have been converted to the
G7 format as examples or "proofs of concept". In addition, links to related theme area sites have been
made. This server has been made available to the public on the Internet since January 1996. Materials have
been added and updated during the course of the year. For example, the SME Tesbed Projects have been
entered using the MDS to allow these projects to be searched using the GIP search engine as soon as it
becomes available.
The EUROPEAN COMMISSION (DGIII and DGXIII), is committed to the successful implementation of
this project. To demonstrate this commitment, DGIII and DGXIII, in October 1995, launched an Open Call
for Tender based upon the principles defined with the GIP Steering Committee, to develop, in particular, the
GIP Host and its "offshore" server.
After a selection procedure, the EC awarded a service contract to EXOL (I) with MIT Media Lab (USA),
Datar (F) and PSI (UK) in an subcontracting role. Given the requirements of the project, the EC has also
established an internal EU Project Team composed of Commission officials from ISPO, Directorates
General III and XIII to monitor and examine project progress, provide direction and feedback to the
consortium throughout the different phases of the project and ensure fulfilment of contractual commitments.
The EXILE Consortium began its work on June 28, 1996, after a meeting with the EU Project Team.
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Under this contract, the GIP Project development has been organised to evolve along three main phases
(running in parallel) and which are comprehensive of all the 7 tasks identified in the Call for Tender. The
three phases may be briefly described as follows:
Phase 1: Demonstration - the objective is to produce a prototype that will be refined as the results from
the user requirements become available. This approach will enable to fine-tune the prototype throughout the
contract period. In parallel to this development, the identification of the user requirements has been
launched through the submission of direct mail questionnaires. This questionnaire has also been placed on
the WWW for feedback by the internet community.
Phase 2: Development - this will be the most intensive phase of the project as it will require the full
implementation of all functionalities including multilingual searching and browsers, multimedia extensions,
intelligent agents, graphical user overview. A detailed description of the hardware and software
requirements will be produced and the overall functionalities will be implemented. Detailed analysis of the
user requirements and needs will become available. Concrete awareness and dissemination events,
including a focused on-line internet information campaign to collect as much information as possible will
also begin in 1997.
Phase 3: Refinement - the demonstration model of the GIP Host will become a mature tool, refined to
meet the final results of the user needs analysis.
The GIP Host will be installed on the premises of the EC (ISPO) and be fully operational by September
1997.
GIP Activities in 1997
A demonstration model of the GIP Host facility with basic functionalities, including multilingual
searching capabilities across all participating National Servers (G7 languages at this time), browsers,
home-page, links to G7 National Servers, electronic forum, etc. will become accessible to the public in
mid-January 1997.
The GIP Steering Committee have begun an analysis of the keywords used at National level for
searching the contents of the National Inventories. In January 1997 work on the definition and
consensus building process upon which to base the "list of keywords" for multilingual searching for the
GIP will be finalised.
Preliminary results of a first "user analysis" have been produced and presented to the GIP Steering
Committee, at its last meeting in Brussels on October 21, 1996. A questionnaire, revised to include all
the comments and suggestions made during the meeting, has been prepared and distributed using direct -
mail sampling techniques not only within G7 countries but also in developing countries and countries in
transition. The questionnaire has also been placed on an internet site so that any member of the "internet
community" may provide feedback. (site address: http://www.vol.it/GIP/Questionnaire.) The final
results and analysis of the User Requirements will become available by the end of February 1997.
Concrete GIP actions to create awareness are being scheduled for the first half of 1997. These actions, as
identified EXOL Consortium proposal to the EC, have the objective to: promote participation in the GIP
of non-G7 countries (especially developing countries and countries in transition) and develop a
promotional campaign to create awareness of the functionalities of the GIP and its relevance to the
development of the IS both as a tool for the promotion of free exchange of information as well as foster
international investments through its possible brokerage function.
Three types of actions will be undertaken to achieve these awareness objectives:
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1. organisation of I "major" event in Poland. In addition 8 "minor" on site events would be held in
Denmark, Czech Republic, Spain, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Israel, and Turkey. Besides, the
demonstration of the GIP Project and its possible uses, topics to be discussed at each event would be
tailored to address some of the I.S. issues of interest to the host country. The 8 on-site minor events
would be targeting an audience composed primarily of government officials, academics/scientific
community and local media representatives.
The overall aim of each event would be to have the host country announce its concrete participation in
the GIP. The major event in Poland is scheduled to take place on May 30, 1997, close to the end of the
contract issued by the EC to the EXOL Consortium, will be used to launch the full implementation of
the GIP system and discuss with key actors, ie. national GIP representatives, scientific leaders, etc. the
impact and role of this project within the information society.
2. organise an activity of on-line data collection making extensive use of Internet search engines,
crawlers, linking to existing internet networks such as W3NET, Telecities, etc.
3. undertake a promotional strategy (that will accompany the on-site events with brochures, CD-ROM,
articles in targeted magazines, etc) as well an make an extensive use of on-line internet advertising via
appropriately placed "GIP banners" on prominent Web sites (such as Infoseek, Yahoo, etc). The
discussions lists on information society issues (training and education, sustainable development, etc)
will be activated together with the "Forum" function. It is expected that the "Forum" will be initiate
the brokerage function potential of the GIP and the exchange of information amongst industry, public
authorities and other relevant actors. A 10-day "festival countdown" on the Internet will be held as a
"virtual event" to encourage people to think about the development of "cyberspace" and reflect on the
impact modem technologies would have on their lives.
On September 16, 1996, a first prototype of the Global Inventory Project was demonstrated to a group of
23 members of the European Parliament in an event chaired by Commissioner Bangemann, and lead by
Mr. Nicholas Negroponte, Director of the MIT Media Lab. In 1997, once the GIP has been fully
implemented and operational, a possible follow-up to this event is envisioned.
1. Address of Participating National Sites:
Canada: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_indps/sectors/engdoc/cinch_hpg.html
European Commission: http://www.ispo.cec.be/
France: http://acts.inria.fr/AI/
Germany: http://www.bmwi-info2000.de/
Italy: http://risc590.bologna.enea.it/CIP/
Japan: http://www.mpt.go.jp/Global-Inventory/Japan.html
United Kingdom: http://www.tagish.co.uk/nip/
USA: http://nii.nist.gov/g7/g7-gip.html
GIP Host and offshore server site: http://www.vol.it/GIP (temporary -to be changed in 1997)
(Note: direct links between the GIP Host and the National Servers have been established)
2. Address of Participating International Organisations:
World Bank (InfoDev): http://www.worldbank.org/
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G-7 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS PROJECT: 6TH PROGRESS REPORT (10 DECEMBER 1996)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Information Society
OVERVIEW OF 1996 ACTIVITY
Summary of progress report Nov. 1996 Page 2
ANNEX 1- PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The G-7 Global Healthcare Application Project:
Overview
Page 3
Sub-project 1. Towards a global public health
network
Globale Hearthcare Applications Project
Page 4
Sub-project 2. Improving prevention, early
G.H.A.P.
detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer
Page 5
G-7 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE
APPLICATIONS PROJECT
Sub-project 3. Improving the prevention, diagnosis
and treatment of cardiovascular diseases Page 7
(G-7 THEME 8)
Sub-project 4. A 24-hour multilingual telemedicine
surveillance service
6TH PROGRESS REPORT
Page 9
DECEMBER 1996
Sub-project 5. Enabling mechanisms for global
health networks
Page IO
Sub-project 6. International harmonisation of data
cards in healthcare
Page 11
ANNEX 2 - EC-FUNDED FEASIBILITY STUDIES
The EC funded feasibility studies: Overview
Page 13
Progress report of the feasibility study
for sub-project 1
Page 14
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Progress report of the feasibility study
for sub-project 2
Page 15
Secretariat
Progress report of the feasibility studies
Antonio PERNICE/Alphons VERMORKEN
European Commission
for sub-project 3
Page 16
Av.de Beaulicu 29 BU29 3/37
B-1160 BRUX Belgium
Progress report of the feasibility study
Phone: +32 2 296 35 08 (2954042)
for sub-project 4
Fax: +32 2 296 01 81
E-mail [email protected]
Page 17
E-mail: [email protected]
Progress report of the feasibility study
for sub-project 6
Page 18
Web servers:
ANNEX 3
ISPO: www.ispo.cec.be
G-7 coordinators (names & addresses)
Page 20
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2. Global Interoperability for Broadband
Networks
Government of Canada
Gouvernement du Canada
Department of Industry
Ministère de l'Industrie
FACSIMILE COVER SHEET
FORMULE ENVOI PAR TELÉCOPIEUR
To:
E. Gabla, France
+33 1 43 19 63
À
cc:
J. Wenzel / M.Carbone, EU
+32-2-299-4170
R. Hochreiter, Germany
+49-228 615-3785
A. Blefari Schneider / L. Fiori, Italy
+39-6-322-1582
A. Saiki, Japan
+81-3-3503-3136
C. Matthews, U.K.
+44-171-215-1751
T. Kalil, U.S.
+1 202-456-2223
From: Keith Chang
Fax: 990-3858 on-4215
De
Industry Canada, Ottawa
Tel: +1 613 990-4238
email: [email protected]
Subject:
G7 Pilot Projects National Coordinators Meeting
Objet:
- Theme 2, GIBN, Status Report
No. of pages: 12 (inc. cover)
Date: December 16, 1996
No. de pages
Attached please find the status report for Project Theme #2, Global Interoperability for
Broadband Networks (GIBN) (Annexes not included). The report has addressed most
the points in you fax of 28 November but, in view of its length, I'd like to summarize
them, in the order of your fax, in the following:
The GIBN project is currently carrying out its Scenario A (Phase 1) which is
scheduled to be concluded in 1997. It plans to begin implementation of Scenario B
(Phase 2) in early 1997. No definitive target date for completion has been set. This
is a subject for discussion by the GIBN Steering Committee, whichlis scheduled to
meet in late January.
With regard to the target completion date, 1 would like to note that I have recently
had an opportunity to review in some depth all 11 pilot projects in preparation for the
speech that I gave to the EITC'96 Conference in Brussels, and noted that most
projects are only recently passed the preliminary phase of preparation, organization,
and planning, with some barely started the implementation phase. On such
complex, global undertakings with no dedicated resources, this is not surprising.
However, this also goes to say that one should not expect quick results with early
completion dates. It is suggested that a realistic expectation, both in terms of
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schedule and results, should be exercised.
Specific milestones of Scenario A depend on specific application projects currently
underway, most of which are scheduled to be concluded by mid-1997. Scenario B
milestones are yet to be defined by the GIBN Steering Committee.
Yes, the private sector companies have being actively participating. These include
in particular international carriers. Private sector organizations also participate in
applications projects.
Yes, lack of funding is a problem. So far, the project has been relying on the
cooperation of international carriers through the contribution, at their own cost, of
intercontinental circuits. Lack of funding, however, has greatly limited the
effectiveness of the project. It has limited the role of the project to one of
coordinator and facilitator. It is suggested that National Coordinators should
address this issue and attempt to find a solution. Raising the profile of G7 Pilot
Projects and garnering of political support to allocate some funding is one route. To
this end, GIBN can contribute, for example, by staging a high profile demonstration
event, possibly concurrent with a G7 conference in 1997.
Non-G7 countries have not been invited to participate in GIBN yet. It is in the plan,
but the Steering Committee wishes to ensure that the project is properly organized
first before it is expanded for participation from third countries.
The address of the GIBN website is: http://enterprise.ic.gc.ca/G7
Sincerely years,
Keith Chang
Director
International Business Development Division
Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Sector
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(revised - December 16, 1996)
G7 INFORMATION SOCIETY PILOT PROJECTS
Theme 2
Global Interoperability for Broadband Networks
Current Status and Future Plans
GIBN Steering Committee
December 1996
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1. INTRODUCTION
To demonstrate the potential of the information society and stimulate its development
through global cooperation, Ministers at the G7 Conference on the Information Society, held in
Brussels in February 1995, launched eleven pilot projects in key theme areas. Global
Interoperability for Broadband Networks (GIBN) is one of the themes which deals with the
future development of broadband network infrastructures which will form the foundation of the
global information society. The project aims to promote global interconnectivitiy and
interoperability of national research networks and testbeds and to facilitate and accelerate the
development and deployment of broadband applications and services.
Following the Brussels conference, a GIBN Steering Committee was formed to oversee
the planning and implementation of the project. The Committee is comprised of representatives
from the G7 countries and the European Union, including government officials and national
broadband research network and testbed operators (Annex 1). In consideration of the important
role the international telecommunications carriers will play in the project, representatives of
international carriers have been invited to participate in the work of the Committee. The
Committee has to date held four meetings and four teleconferences, with active exchanges on the
Internet and other media in between meetings.
In the lead up to the Brussels Conference, G7 government and the EC representatives
defined in broad terms the objectives, scope, expected impacts, implementation plan and
timetable for the GIBN Pilot Project. This was published in a document entitled "Global
Interoperability for Broadband Networks: Moving from Vision to Reality", dated February 13,
1995. This plan has served as the starting point and a reference for the Committee's work, with
modifications and refinements having been made in accordance with the necessity of practical
circumstances and considerations.
Two brief progress reports on the project have been published as part of the G7
Information Society Pilot Projects Progress Reports. These latter were released on the occasions
of the Halifax G7 Summit, June 15-17, 1995, and the Ministerial Conference on Information
Society and Development, held in Midrand, South Africa, May 13-15, 1996.
The purpose of this document is to provide a more comprehensive overview, as well as an
update, of the progress and the current status of the project. A future outlook of the project,
including the vision and the plans, is also elaborated.
2. OBJECTIVES, STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
a) Objectives
The aim of GIBN is to facilitate the early availability of an international broadband
network capable of supporting a wide range of applications by encouraging the interconnection
of broadband research networks and testbeds globally, beginning with the G7 countries. Each of
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the G7 countries has well developed national plans for deploying advanced broadband networks
to support education and research, and they are seeking to interconnect these national facilities to
create a versatile international network. GIBN provides a forum for the high-level coordination
of national plans together with high-level access to the major international telecommunications
carriers. This unique combination of interests offers the opportunity to accelerate progress in the
development of broadband networks and applications.
Thus, the fundamental goal of GIBN is to provide a means for developing and testing
transnational broadband applications that will support the promise of the Global Information
Society. To achieve this, it was necessary to ensure and enhance the general level of
interconnectivity and interoperability amongst existing and planned high-speed networks and
testbeds in the G7 countries. The purpose and objectives of GIBN are therefore to facilitate the
establishment of international links between the various high speed networks in order to:
facilitate the testing of the interoperable capabilities between the various networks at
all the required levels of transport;
identify any shortfalls pertaining to interoperability so that the involved carriers and
manufacturers may take the appropriate actions to alleviate the problems;
provide a stable platform whereby multinational applications may first be tested while
in the development stages before they evolve to full commercial service; and
facilitate the testing of the interoperable capabilities through satellite networks for
major applications including high definition video transport.
The specific objectives of GIBN are:
to foster the creation of stable world-wide, state-of the-art high-speed broadband
research network and testbeds by linking the national high-speed research networks of
all G7 countries at speeds of 35/45 mbps initially and 155 mbps or higher at some later
date;
to facilitate the establishment of testbeds for testing and developing new applications
and products; and
to validate the role of satellites as part of the high-speed networks by linking national
high-speed networks with satellites and testing applications.
b) Implementation Framework
At the first Committee meeting held in April 1995, it was decided that GIBN could best
advance its objectives by identifying and encouraging mechanisms for cooperation. The first
priority was thus to establish intercontinental links between the three main geographic areas:
North America, Europe and Japan. GIBN members also recognized that there would be a need to
elaborate a framework to allow international carriers to provide transmission capacities at
reduced charges for research communities within the framework of an acceptable usage policy.
Within each main geographic area, intercontinental carriers were to be informed of GIBN
discussions and be invited to participate fully.
GIBN representatives noted that key interoperability problems lie as much at the "user
interface" level as at the "technical transport" layer. As a result, it was agreed that focus should
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not reside solely on interconnectivity of networks, but also on end-user application
interoperability. A mix of pilot projects would be encouraged which addressed both problem
areas.
Interconnection would be a gradual, step-by-step process and that networks and
applications need to be recognized as mutually linked and interdependent. The other pilot
project theme areas established at the Brussels G7 Ministerial Conference could be supported by
the GIBN interconnected network provided that these projects required broadband connectivity
and met GIBN objectives, and given resources availability. Priority would be given to large-
scale applications, to achieve a "critical mass" as quickly as possible.
Three working groups were established to undertake important aspects of the
Committee's work. These working groups are:
Working Group on Guidelines for Carrier Participation, led by the U.K.
Working Group on Authorized Use Policy (AUP), led by the U.S.A.
Working Group on Applications, Technical and Operational Issues, led by Japan
The working groups have successfully carried out their work with the results having been
served as the basis for the Committee's continuing work.
c) Implementation Strategy
In addition to establishing connectivity on an intercontinental basis, the GIBN Steering
Committee recognized the importance of stimulating the early emergence of commercially viable
broadband applications. The Committee recognized at the same time that as with Internet, the
early interconnection the broadband research and educational networks and testbeds can play a
crucial role in identifying or stimulating commercially viable broadband service.
The Committee considered two scenarios for the implementation of the project to reach
its objectives:
Scenario A: It was agreed that it was important in the near term to experiment with and
demonstrate selected new broadband applications and services for a fixed duration
of time where much can be learned in terms of interoperability and feasibility of
applications. This approach would be based on the contribution of trans-
continental circuits by international carriers. In addition to raising the profile of
broadband applications, this approach could also result in earlier identification of
their commercial viability.
Scenario B: This scenario would focus on facilitating long-term, production-level
interconnections of broadband research networks and testbeds across the three
continents which can serve as the basis for the development of any and all
broadband applications.
While different in approaches, both scenarios have the development of broadband
applications as the primary objective. In Scenario A, the applications are individually "selected"
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for experimentation and demonstration based on consideration of their suitability for broadband
networks and possible early availability and commercial viability. In Scenario B, on the other
hand, a wide range of applications are "enabled", with possibly new, unforseen applications
developed or evolved, through the interconnected broadband networks.
Both scenarios offer advantages and merits. Scenario A tests the feasibility and promotes
the awareness and acceptability of early application candidates. Scenario B, on the other hand, is
scalable, which is a very important and fundamental factor in applications development, as
scalability leads to critical mass which in turn leads to self-sustaining ongoing growth and
widespread acceptance.
The primary focus of GIBN has so far been on Scenario A. It is planned, however, that
beginning in 1997, the project will move onto a new phase with the implementation of Scenario
B.
3. PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE
a) Achieving Global Broadband Interconnectivity
- with Cooperation from International Carriers
The Committee recognized the key role that international carriers would have to play in
meeting the GIBN objectives. Consequently, the GIBN Chair wrote all G7 international carriers
and invited them to participate in the GIBN initiative. The response was highly positive with 12
carriers agreeing to participate. Three meetings were held with the international carriers which
included AT&T, British Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom, KDD, Mercury, MCI,
Sprint, Stentor, Teleglobe, Telecom Italia and Unitel (since renamed AT&T Canada).
The Committee had productive discussions with the carriers to establish means of
supporting international applications development and trials which met the following objectives:
that it interconnect all networks within the G7 (and eventually other countries) as soon
as possible
that as many experimental pre-commercial applications are supported as possible
that this support be provided for as long as possible
that interconnection and interoperability is achieved cooperatively
Starting with the initial meeting the carriers expressed willingness to assist GIBN in
accelerating the interconnection of national testbeds and research networks and to support
application projects. Several offered intercontinental links subject to further details being
worked out.
The international broadband interconnectivity is taking shape through a number of
support initiatives offered by international carriers:
The Canada-Europe interconnectivity has been accomplished through a high-capacity
link (155 mbps) using CANTAT-3 trans-Atlantic cable made available by Teleglobe.
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The link supports GIBN application trials between Europe and North America. To
date, this cable has supported a number of demonstrations and applications.
The Japan-USA interconnectivity has been accomplished by KDD and AT&T
partnering in providing a trans-Pacific link (155 Mbps) using TPC-5 fibre optic
undersea link to the USA. The link is supporting 4 specific Japan/USA application
trials for 6 months each. In fact, KDD has offered the Japanese half of this link for any
GIBN experiments until the end of 1997. 24 hour availability is being provided.
A group of carriers comprising Sprint, Teleglobe, Deutsche Telecom, France Telecom
and Telecom Italia in a formal written proposal agreed to provide a trans-Atlantic
network using two undersea fibre optic cables. The consortium is providing project
and network management, and would offer the network for trial applications at reduced
rates. They will consider application proposals on a case-by-case basis, guided by the
GIBN Authorized Use Policy. Once operational, the network will greatly enhance the
Europe-North America interconnectivity.
The Canada-USA interconnectivity is recently established by AT&T Canada and
AT&T USA with a high-speed link from CANARIE's National Test Network to
Chicago for interconnection with vBNS and other high-speed networks in the USA.
Within Europe, it is worth noting that the JAMES project, being implemented by a
consortium of European Union member state telecommunications operators, led by
France Telecom, and funded partially by the EU ACTS Programme, is providing intra-
European connectivity, which will provide a vital link to the other G7 countries.
While some of the interconnections are limited in scope or duration, it is nevertheless
worthwhile noting that in large measure as a result of the GIBN efforts, broadband
interconnectivity among G7 partners are becoming a reality.
The policy regarding transit traffic is an important issue an interconnected network. This
is particular $0 for commercial operations. It is hoped that for test network and pre-commercial
operations, the issue can be simplified. It is worth noting that in this regard, Teleglobe has
offered to provide transit passage via their CANTAT-3 for GIBN projects provided that the
European and USA carriers reciprocate and offer transit through their networks.
The current G7 interconnectivity network map can be found in Annex 2.
b) Developing Broadband Applications
Encouragement of the development and testing of international broadband applications is
the central goal of the GIBN project.
Under the leadership of Japan, chair of the Working Group on Applications, Technical
and Operational Issues a format for the submission of requests for participation in international
cooperative projects was prepared. With inputs by the G7 representatives a comprehensive list of
organizations seeking partners was compiled. The demand for international trials was most
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impressive with 107 requests having been identified, of which 45 are based on native ATM, 25
IP over ATM, 3 a mix of native and IP over ATM, and 34 undetermined.
The GIBN Steering Committee members have placed their lists on their own Web sites,
which are hot-linked into the G7 GIBN site (http://enterprise.ic.gc/G7) so that they could be
broadly accessed by potential partners. Readers are encouraged to scan these lists to identify
potential partners. The Committee members are also publicizing these opportunities within their
countries.
As a result of the promotional efforts to date, 15 application projects that are ready to go
ahead with the support of participating carriers have been identified. These are projects that take
advantage of the broadband capability of the networks. They touch on areas of common global
interest, such as healthcare, education, collaborative virtual work, advanced simulations,
advanced multi-media and high-energy physics trials. These applications are:
1)
Verification Experiment of Telemedicine in Treating Cancer and Other Diseases (Japan,
US);
2)
Verification Experiment of Telemedicine in Neurology (Japan, US);
3)
Application Development Using Broadband Research Network (Japan, US);
4)
Quality Control through ATM Network (Japan, US);
5)
Cost-effective, Quality-Controlled Patient Management Based on Information Highways
(US, Canada, Germany);
6)
SPOCK - Application of Multimedia Teleservices to Aircraft Industry (Germany, France,
Italy, Canada);
7)
Virtual Classroom (Canada);
8)
ACTS Summer School 96 (Germany, Italy, Canada);
9)
Collaborative Simulation, Visualisation (Germany, US, Canada);
10)
Distributed Virtual Studio Production and Virtual Reality Simulations (Germany, US,
Canada);
11)
Remote Collaboration in High Energy and Nuclear Physics (1st Phase Germany, France,
Italy, UK; 2nd Phase Canada, Japan, US);
12)
Cardiovascular Health Network (1st Phase France, Italy, UK; 2nd Phase - Canada, US);
13)
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Distributed Visualisation (Italy, US)
15)
Northwold Systems and Services Limited Project IBCoBN
Fourteen of the initial application projects was announced during the South Africa
Ministerial Conference on Information Society and Development (ISAD), May 13 -15, 1996.
The GIBN Steering Committee, the participating international carriers, including KDD, AT&T,
Sprint, Teleglobe, France Telecom and Telecom Italia, and several G7 governments issued press
releases to mark the achievement of this important GIBN milestone.
A review of the status of all the projects was carried out at a multimedia telemeeting held
on December 13, 1996. The telemeeting involved 4 sites, i.e. Brussels (Belgium), Lannion
(France), Stuggart (Germany) and Ottawa (Canada), with the project primes giving presentations
on the implementation status of the projects. The telemeeting indicated that all projects are
progressing well, with one having been successfully completed.
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The December 13 multimedia telemeeting was in itself a successful demonstration of a
promising potential application of global broadband networks. Using the Teleglobe CANTAT-3
trans-Atlantic cable linking the European broadband networks provided by the JAMES
consortium and Canada's National Test Network of CANARIE, the ATM-based telemeeting
substantially advanced the videoconference technology. It allowed the participants to present
and consult in real time with various forms of material, including voice, video, text, graphics, etc.
The telemeeting used the Multimedia Collaboration (MMC) software developed by
DeTeBerkom.
More details of the GIBN applications projects and their current status can be found in
Annex 3.
c) Satellite based Broadband Network and Applications
Because of their broad coverage and multi-casting capabilities, satellite communications
will no doubt play a key role in the Global Information Society. The use of satellites, such as
ACTS, ESA and Intelsat, offers an alternative and complementary means of providing
intercontinental links for broadband applications, especially in support of projects to remote
areas or areas not served by high-speed fibre networks.
In November 1995, a Quadrilateral meeting on International Joint Experiments for
Satellite High Data Rate Communications was held, with Japan (MPT), USA (NASA), Europe
(European Commission and ESA) and Canada (Communications Research Centre) attending.
The purpose was to promote satellite communications experiments between Quad
countries/regions. The members prepared an Action Agenda which endorsed the G7 GIBN
initiative and committed members to contribute to the success of GIBN and more importantly
identified 10 applications and trials which would involve the 3 continents. The 2nd meeting of
the GII Satellite Quadrilateral Working Group was held in September 1996 and reviewed the
status of satellite-based broadband experiments. The WG agreed on its charter and reconfirmed
its continuous cooperation
The Quad group intends to move ahead to resolve technical issues of interconnection and
to start to develop the 10 applications identified.
Links between Japan and North America could be provided through the cooperation of
Intelsat and NASA, which would use its ACTS satellite to provide connectivity. An application
experiment using this satellite link, that is, "Remote High Definition Video Post-Production
Application using Satellite" experiment, is being prepared with the target of demonstrating at the
next meeting of GIBN Steering Committee, scheduled for January 1997 in tokyo.
An Intelsat satellites-based Japan-Canada connection is currently being actively pursued,
with an HDTV or other broadband applications demonstration being planned for Intercomm '97
in February in Vancouver. Such a satellite-based link could contribute to global
interconnectivity with the extension to Europe via submarine fibre cables across the Atlantic.
Japan (MPT) and ESA are planning a joint project, Japan-Europe GAMMA (JEG). ESA
plans to treat JEG as a part of the GAMMA project of the ACTS programme of the European
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Commission. JEG will provide a satellite link directly between Japan and Europe and will
demonstrate some multimedia applications. It is aimed to begin these applications in April 1997.
d) Other Broadband Demonstrations and Promotion
GIBN has also inspired a number of transcontinental broadband demonstrations. The
Brussels Ministerial Conference on the Information Society stimulated some of the early efforts,
which were followed by a series of other successes in "live" broadband interconnection trials and
exhibits. Examples include:
The World's first ATM-based, transcontinental medical consultation between the
Berlin Heart Institute and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute with the cooperation
of Teleglobe (providing their undersea fibre optic cable), Bell Canada, Deutsche
Telecom and Belgacom, during the Brussels Ministerial Conference.
On the same occasion, the world's longest ATM linked demonstration from Vancouver
to Brussels, a distance of more than 10,000 kilometres and connecting ATM switches
from several different manufacturers, demonstrating the global cooperation of a
number of international carriers and ATM switch manufacturers in successfully
proving out their technologies.
In January 1996, CRC BADLab (Canada), DeTeBerkom (Germany), the Technical
University of Berlin and the University of Salzburg (Austria) cooperated in performing
multimedia protocol testing on high-speed International links provided by CANARIE,
Teleglobe and Deutsche Telekom.
On the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of DeTeBerkom in April 1996, the
CANARIE test network was used to connect BADLab to a DeTeBerkom site via
CANTAT-3 fibre-optic cable.
In June 1996 at Medicine 2001, through the support of France Telecom, Deutsche
Telekom and Teleglobe, a live ATM transmission from Strasbourg to Montreal
involving a telesurgery procedure on an actual patient was observed by the Montreal
audience proving out the feasibility of remote observation of surgery as a teaching tool
and teleconsultations on a global scale.
In July 1996, Canada participated, through a trans-Atlantic ATM link, in the 4th
annual Advanced Broadband Communications Summer School (ABC'96), which
marked the first time that ABC had an intercontinental connection and North American
participation. ABC'96 was sponsored by the European ACTS Programme with the
support of JAMES network and NICE project. It involved a multitude of sites in non-
G7 as well as several G-7 countries
KDD, NTT and AT&T announced that multimedia application experiments using
high-speed ATM network will be conducted between Japan and the US from
September 1996 to February 1997.
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4. THE NEXT PHASE
a) Realization of a Vision
A series of recent events are lending new impetus, and raising new challenges, to GIBN
in its effort to promote global interoperability for broadband networks. In early October, for
example, President Clinton called for $500-million in federal moneys to improve Internet
capabilities at 100 universities and at national research laboratories and other federal institutions
to create Internet II to communicate at speeds 100 to 1,000 times as fast as current connections
allow. In Europe National research networks are in the process of being upgraded to broadband
speeds and the TEN-34 project is an ambitious plan among European member states to establish
high-speed operational linkages among the National research networks. In Japan broadband
networks linking a number of government research institutions, firms and universities are in
place and Japan would now like to link these networks internationally. In Canada discussions are
furnly underway to create CA*net II, a quasi-production network, operating at high speed and
linking most universities and research institutions.
As these national initiatives are being planned and implemented GIBN has an important
role to play in encouraging and coordinating the interconnection of these emerging networks. As
described earlier, the GIBN Steering Committee established a two-phased strategy to achieve its
goals of facilitating global broadband interconnection and accelerating the emergence of
commercial and public service products and applications. Scenario "A" is successfully under
way and has by and large achieved its intended objective of experimenting with and
demonstrating selected new broadband applications and services, with much having been learned
in terms of trans-continental interconnectivity and interoperability. It is expected that the trials
of most of the current applications and services will be concluded by mid-1997. While
demonstrations and trials of applications and services will not be ruled out in the future, they will
be carried out very selectively and will be limited only to those that could truly demonstrated
global interoperability and those that could raise high profile and generate large impact on the
development of the Global Information Society.
The time has now come to consider moving into the next stage, i.e. Scenario "B", which
aims to encourage the early interconnection of broadband research and education networks to
create a pervasive and versatile international broadband network capable of supporting a large,
diverse, evolving and, ultimately, commercially viable set of applications. In short, Scenario "B"
should respond to the new challenges and realize the GIBN vision.
While the GIBN Steering Committee has yet to fully address the implementation of this
scenario, it is envisaged that the existing or planned national broadband research networks and
testbeds in each country would, under this scenario, be interconnected via international
broadband links to create an extensive international broadband network. The key element is that
many sites will be automatically connected without special provision creating a large ready-made
user population. Additional sites can be connected where appropriate. A large number of
applications will be enabled (many are already available at the national level). Unforseen
applications may also be discovered. The GIBN, carriers, etc. can highlight particular
applications as showcase examples of the use of international broadband.
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As part of this new focus, GIBN, in cooperation with other organizations (see below),
should address and resolve, or facilitate the early resolution of, issues or problems that impede
the global interoperability of broadband networks. These issues may include, for example, a)
validation and adoption of the acceptable usage policy, b) guidelines and policy regarding transit
traffic, and c) principles for cost sharing of international high-speed links.
The availability of resources, or lack thereof, to effect such interconnection would be a
major challenge, particularly given that G7 Pilot Projects do not possess central funds. However,
it is worthwhile noting that most national broadband research networks and testbeds have an
allocation of resources, from programme funds or usage revenues, to international
interconnections. With a coordinated effort of such allocations and with possible support from
international carriers with advantageous rates, it is not impossible to realize the global
interconnection of production-level broadband networks. GIBN should and intends to play this
catalyst and coordination role as it enters into its next phase.
To move forward with the implementation of the vision and to address specific issues
involved, it is envisaged that working groups will need to be established. As well, a meeting of
all key research network operators and other stakeholders will be considered.
b) Linking Regional Networks to Achieve Global Interoperability
Over the past year, a number of regional initiatives have been taken, aiming at
interconnecting national broadband networks at regional levels. These include, notably, the
Asian-Pacific Information Infrastructure (APII) initiative launched by the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation forum, the Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) initiative, the Joint ATM
Experiment on European Services (JAMES), Trans-European Network initiative, TEN-34, etc.
These initiatives have the goals and objectives similar to those of GIBN at regional levels. The
goals of global interoperability can be best achieved through cooperation and coordination with
these regional networks. It is intended therefore that for the next phase, GIBN will actively
pursue such cooperation and coordination to achieve its goals of global interoperability.
It is noted that at global levels, there are international organizations, such as the
International Telecommunications Union, that are concerned with interconnectivity and
interoperability of global information infrastructures. GIBN will cooperate with relevant
international organizations to maximize synergism and minimize duplication. Cooperation and
coordination with such international grouping as the Coordinating Committee for
Intercontinental Research Networking (CCIRN) with a view to identifying and achieving the
common goals.
As the authoritative, representative body of the world's largest industrialized countries
with strong broadband network capabilities, and given its openness, GIBN is in a pivotal position
to bring the national and regional broadband networks together to achieve the global
interconnectivity and interoperability. All efforts should therefore be made to bring this prime,
influential position of GIBN to bear.
It is worth noting that the participation of international organizations in the G7 pilot
projects are specifically encouraged by the ministers during the Brussels Conference.
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c) Reaching Out - from G7 to Global
Since its inception and as its activities became more broadly known, non G7 countries
have indicated interest in joining the GIBN project. These countries include, among others,
Switzerland, South Korea, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Israel. The GIBN Steering
Committee welcomed the interests expressed by these countries and considered that the
participation of non-G7 countries would be essential if the project is to achieve its "global"
objectives. The Committee takes particular note of the principle of G7 pilot projects being open
to non-G7 participation as established by the Ministers during the Brussels Conference.
While taking into consideration the above, the GIBN Steering Committee decided that in
order to ensure that the project is well planned and can be implemented in an orderly manner, the
initial, preparatory phase should begin with the G7 partners. It is planned, however, that as the
project enter into the next phase in 1997, non-G7 countries will be invited to participate.
As part of the process of involving non-G7 countries, international organizations, and the
private sector, the Committee is considering an open global conference, to be held in 1997, to
inform interested parties of the progress made by this project and to encourage the broadest
possible participation.
7. CONCLUSIONS
Following the launch of the GIBN project at the Brussels Ministerial Conference in
February 1995, much has been accomplished. Working cooperatively together, the G7 partners
have defined the goals, objectives and plans for a joint project that would facilitate and accelerate
the development of an interconnected and interoperable global information infrastructure. With
the support of international carriers, a series of trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific broadband
applications have been launched, with several having been completed and others currently
underway, Many inter-continental broadband demonstrations have also been carried out. Most
importantly, as a result of the GIBN efforts, limited-scope broadband interconnectivity among
G7 partners are becoming a reality.
With GIBN successfully concluding its initial phase, Scenario "A", the GIBN Steering
Committee will soon begin to focus its attention on the next phase of the project implementation,
Scenario "B", which aims to foster long-term, production-level interconnections of broadband
research networks and testbeds. Given the absence of dedicated central funding for such
interconnections, which has been and will continue to be a challenge, GIBN will have as its
objective to accomplish this by acting a catalyst and through coordination with key players
involved. Cooperating and coordinating with international organizations having regional
broadband network initiatives will be key to achieving GIBN's global interoperability objective.
Also, to achieve this global objective, GIBN will, during its second phase beginning in 1997,
enlarge its scope by inviting the participation from non-G7 countries.
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3. Cross-Cultural Education and Training
17.DEZ.1996 14:14
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G7 Information Society Pilot Project Theme 3:
Transcultural Education and Training (TEL*LINGUA)
The Feasibility Study preparing the operational pilot project, for EU member States supported by
the European Union DG XIII, was carried out and finalised in almost all content areas in mid
December 1996.
The study was co-ordinated by France and Germany with the aim of a coherent set of recommen-
dations for decision makers and institutions, to set up the operational work in a way it promises
maximum benefits for the development of network based transcultural education and training and
the language industry.
With priority it concentrated on the co-ordination of existing national structures and national
strategic developments in the G7 members, in other advanced countries (Australia, Greece,
Portugal, Spain, Switzerland) as well as of the BU as a whole.
The study was organised in 10 workpackages, to identify on a global basis the users' needs, the
educational strategies to be used to respond to those needs, the global structures of the server
network, the identification of existing and upcoming resources, good practice, quality and
certification.
The study will allow the pilot project to concentrate on those activities crucial for the success
of a global networks in that area, giving market forces the space for quick and adequate
development, encouraging and supporting innovative actors of all kinds and restrict pilot project
activities to those areas, where they can help to bring together critical masses more quickly and to
overcome fragmentation.
The feasibility study took a strict user needs view, looking for those recommendations for
actions, where a consensus of the global actors could be identified. To do so an experimental
network of pilot-servers was set up, which directly implemented functionalities proposed in a way,
it allowed tirst concrete experiences and discussions.
At the moment this 'Experimental Global Server' can be addressed under the international
domain 'tel-lingua.org', branching from here directly to the servers now operational in this
network at Erlangen (D), Genève (CH), Madrid (E), Paris (F), Warwick (UK).
To dispute recommendations and to create consensus, a global Consensus Conference was
organised on 07.-08. October 1996 in Torino under the name 'TEL*LINGUA'. Due to the
worldwide recognition of that event and the good resonance, 'TEL*LINGUA' was chosen as the
title for all activities of our pilot project. The Conference was attended by 158 decisions makers
from 15 countries, all of them on personal invitation to guarantee relevance of decisions and
recommendations of the Conference. The Conference documentation will be available from 20.
December '96 on, in print as well as on the experimental server network.
At the moment preparatory work is done, how to set up operational activities following the
consensus recommendations elaborated. Organisationally a light co-ordinating umbrella structure
is prepared - based mainly on shared national funding which should help to set up and carry out
sub-projects following the grid defined by the feasibility study, based on support programmes and
actions already existing in the countries participating resp. in transnational programmes. Such a
structure allows high flexibility and a quick continuation of work, not needing a synchronous and
complete involvement of all G7 and other interested countries in all lines of action. Participation in
the forthcoming calls of the EU following such a strategy is in preparation.
A meeting of all national co-ordinators to take further decisions in planned for early
February 97, a Canadian invitation to Toronto for that meeting exists. Additional
countries have officially expressed their interested to participate (e.g. Korea), others
announced such an official interest coming up soon.
04-12-1996 13:02
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Transcultural Education and Training in Language
Learning Innovations for Better Global Understanding
and Awareness
TEL*LINGUA
G7 "Information and Society" Pilot Project
Theme 3: Transcultural Education and Training
TEL*LINGUA Feasibility Study
General coordination
The feasibility study TEL*LINGUA
The G7 Theme 3 Transcultural Education and Training pilot project resembles a two-storeyed
rocket. On November 30th, with the completion of the feasibility study, the course of the
first storey comes to an end. We hope it should have put TEL*LINGUA onto the right
trajectory. The second storey should soon begin. That is the project itself. Its aim is the
development of an international network concerning language education and training in
conjunction with the cultural discovery required for learning a language. First and foremost,
it is a human network that interconnects skills, but it is also a physical network of
information, represented by a virtual "global" server, i.e. an international network of servers
working directly together, offering on line, all the available resources in the field, presenting
experiments, products and a platform for an exchange of observations, connecting teachers,
trainers and users. In other words, everything that can be of assistance in the interactive
apprenticeship of languages, in order to improve their knowledge and promote
understanding of cultural differences between different countries.
The Workpackage coordinators of the feasibility study sent in their reports and
recommendations. These reports were presented at the Consensus Conference which was
held in Turin at the Lingotto Conference Centre October 7th and 8th, 1996. There were 150
people from 15 different countries. Recommendations were discussed in workshops. They
were consolidated and enhanced. The results of this conference and the conclusions are
presently being sent to all partners and people interested in the project.
This feasibility study, which must be considered as the first stage of the pilot project, has
provided a better understanding of the difficulties to be overcome on a theoretical basis and,
at the same time, by observing network activities. On realistic grounds, it has endeavoured
to create and manage an operational plan adapted to the G7 Theme 3 Transcultural
Education and Training Pilot Project. Its framework and coordination mechanism has been
placed at the disposal of all the countries interested in the project. The final report and the
recommendations for the future of the project are presently being written.
France, Germany and Italy have been the main partners, directing the study along with
associate partners: the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Switzerland and Greece.
Many interested countries remained observers (Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, and
Brazil...) The experience showed that it is not always easy to find the right person to deal
with - the interest shown is an incontestable fact and collaborations are confirmed every
day.
A follow-up coordination, together with regular reports, has shown that although the
starting up of an international collaboration takes a long time, it becomes possible in an
asserted structure endowed with operating means.
TEL*LINGUA - General coordination - November 21, 1996 - Progress report
1
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A network of servers and work groups
Two experimental TEL*LINGUA servers (French and German), which represent the
prefiguration of the project network of servers, can be located at the following address:
http://www.tel-lingua.org. They are already connected to the United Kingdom's NCET
server, which has developed a specific service, Spain's Fundesco server, and the Swiss and
Canadian servers. For the time being, the choice to develop clear services and make
navigation as easy as possible has been made. Multilingual research systems and
multimedia functions will start up gradually with the progress of the project, the
improvement of techniques and networks, in accordance with the needs expressed.
Private partners
The feasibility study is coming to an end and the TEL*LINGUA project points out that
content providers in the public sector must be induced to work with promoters and
providers in the private sector. The achievement of this facet has been slow during the
feasibility study, and if some private partners as well as publishers had attended the
consensus conference and shown their interest, the TEL*LINGUA coordination must make
an additional effort in their direction so that the project be better known and partners
attracted there in. Des partenariats doivent être mis en place mais le secteur privé ne
s'engagera que lorsqu'il pourra constater que le réseau est géré dans le temps et
présente une réelle valeur ajoutée.
Conclusion
The G7 concept has not its own means and no administrative framework. It is only because
of the European Commission's support that the feasibility study has been fully carried out.
In future, the principle of a global server could only be considered if a maximum number of
countries are involved. During this study, some of the G7 countries remained observers.
The main argument for non-commitment was a financial one. It is however important
that these countries be included in the TEL*LINGUA project. States must make a
decision. It is also of prime importance that the identified organisms in each country work
together so as to come to a consensus on the guidance and validation systems for linguistic
apprenticeship. It must be pointed out that the number of interested partners and countries
effectively involved is increasing.
The feasibility study showed that for such a project, a strong general coordination is needed.
In Turin, a consensus was agreed upon regarding the importance of the project and the hope
that the French coordination continue was expressed. For this, the material means need to
be found, either at the national level or at the international level (the feasibility study's
conclusion makes suggestions concerning this subject). A light (umbrella) coordination in not
enough, at least in the beginning. Funds are necessary for meetings that need to be held
regularly. The motion has been initiated but efforts to involve other partner countries, either
institutional or private has to be continued and requires a lot of work in communication all
the time. Even with the interest shown for the project at Midrand, developing countries are
still not involved, as the means still need to be found in order to establish a well-founded
relation and to find appropriate collaboration levels with countries that are interested.
After working together on the feasibility study for one year now, we can say that the
TEL*LINGUA coordination and the network which, after all, are beginning to work well, can
be follow. maintained, looked after and strengthened for the development of the project that must
General coordinator France
Associate coordinator Allemagne
Michèle BARON DISTNB
Walter Kugemann FIM-Psychologie
Ministère de l'Education nationale, de
l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche
Address: FIM-Psychologie, Maximiliansplatz 3,
D-91054 Erlangen
1, rue Descartes, F-75005 PARIS
Tel.: +49.9131.85.4736,
Tél. (33) 01 46 34 37
Fax: +49.9131.85.4738,
Fax (33) 01 46 34 46 34
e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected]
WWW.http://www.fim.uni-erlangen.do
TEL*LINGUA - General coordination November 21, 1996 Progress report
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Progress report
Project 4 : Electronic libraries
(http://www.culture.fr)
December 1996
Objectives
The objective of the project is to constitute from existing programs the large, distributed virtual collection
of humankind knowledge, made available to a large public via networks, and to advance international
cooperation towards the establishment of global electronic library systems.
The project should strengthen the function of libraries and improve availability at international levels of
digitized resources including both bibliographic records and information content itself (integrating text,
graphics, still images, sound and video information). It will promote the large scale digitization of
materials on electronic library systems.
Furthermore, it should demonstrate how integrated digitization techniques support long term preservation
as well as cnable immediate, easy access to such documents including the linguistic dimension.
Secretariat of the project
France : Ministry of culture (Direction du livre et de la lecture), Bibliothèque nationale de France.
Japan : Ministry of Foreign affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of International Trade and Industry,
Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, National Diet Library.
Actions undertaken in 1996
1) ISAD conference (May 13th-15 th), Midrand, South Africa
During the conference, a prototype of Bibliotheca universalis was demonstrated, which made a great
success. This prototype gave acess to multimedia data on the theme of « Africa, Culture and
Civilization » supplied by G7 partner countries.
2) Informal meeting in Tokyo (March, 14th)
An informal meeting was held in Tokyo. Participants from France, U.K., U.S.A. and Japan discussed the
demonstration for the ISAD conference in Midrand, establishing working groups and the planning of an
international survey on digital collections.
3) Survey on digitization programs
The Secretariat has prepared a survey on digitization programs for the purpose of sharing the information
on current technologies, standards and methods applied to digitization programs among all partner
countries (G7 and non-G7) and on national policies or strategies as far as digitization is concerned.
Actions to be launched in 1997
1) The survey is due February, 15th, 1997.
2) The next meeting will be held at the Library of Congress (USA) next spring. The participation of
private sector corporates will be discussed.
Miscellaneous
The project has no duration per se. Bibliotheca universalis means to improve concertation between
countries as far as digitization is concerned.
All expenses related to the project have been supported by the partners.
As mentioned above, the project will be open to countries which shall launch digitization programs.
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5. Electronic Museums and Galleries
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G7 PILOT PROJECT No. 5
MULTIMEDIA ACCESS TO WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE
1.
The document adopted at the first meeting of G7 national representatives of Project
No. 5, held in Rome in April 1995, focused on a programme of work divided into the following
four stages:
Stage I
-
Comparative analysis of the present situation and a proposal of standard
solutions (through three working groups)
Stage II
-
Production of a prototype
Stage III
-
Implementation of all the aspects of the prototype
Stage IV
-
Evaluation of the demonstration project.
One year after, Stage I was still awaiting completion because of different national
situations.
The use of communications networks by an increasing number of Cultural
Organisations and Museums, the development of national and international projects in this subject
area, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding promoted by the European Commission
(DG XIII) and the final document of the meeting of Museum Curators, have made it possible to
lay the foundations for work to begin on Stage II.
2.
The second meeting of G7 national representatives for project n. 5, held in Rome on
30 September-1 October 1996 (attended by Canada, France, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom,
the United States and - as observers - the Holy See and Switzerland) produced a new working
document which updated the operational procedures for the project laid down at the previous
meeting.
Copy of this document is hereby enclosed.
At the meeting, the programme of work was therefore changed to revolve around
the following stages:
2.1
-
Identification of the themes, and the resultant reorganisation of the working groups
2.2
1
Identification of transnational projects as benchmark prototypes
2.3
-
putting Project No. 5 and its developments on the Internet
2.1
Four areas of work were identified and the working groups were consequently
reorganised.
2.1.1 Conservation of cultural heritage and the dissemination of information.
Quality standards for the use of cultural heritage, standards for cataloguing and
digitalisation systems, and for multilingual communication (thesauri and dictionaries).
2.1.2 Legal aspects and proper use
Intellectual property rights and copyright, legal aspects relating to the proper use,
conservation and accuracy/reliability of information
2.1.3 Technological research and development
Standards for interoperability systems and multimedia technological applications,
communications networks, and user/research and navigation instruments interface.
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2.1.4 Experimentation and application
Applications in the field of cultural heritage management and conservation,
including the identification of data input priorities, applications to education and vocational
training, cultural tourism and Icisure and entertainment, for which there is a large and varied
public demand.
These areas were assigned to the United Kingdom (2.1.1), Canada (2.1.2), France
(2.1.3) and Italy (2.1.4). These countries will act as coordinators with the aim of facilitating
communication between the G7 partners and completing the draft of the first interim document by
the end of March 1997 in preparation for the following plenary meeting of the G7 Pilot Project.
The new working groups will deal with the issues identified and will be coordinated
by an official according to an agreed programme of activities.
2.2
The purpose of the working groups will be to appraise and select a number of
project prototypes chosen from among the most suitable that have been proposed. The selection
may also take place by complementing similar projects without excluding any other ways of
validating projects or products which meet the purposes of the G7 Project.
At the Rome meeting on 30 September-1 October 1996, various national and
international projects and initiatives were examined in accordance with the principles and purposes
of the G7 Pilot Project.
2.1.1. The "Aquarelle" Project
2.2.2. The Italian National Research Council Cultural Heritage Special Project
2.2.3. Cultural Heritage On Line (CHO Project)
2.2.4. Also Known As (AKA Project)
2.2.5. Hypermuseum
2.2.6. Iconclass
In addition to these projects the Japanese delegation submitted the following
initiatives:
- Common index of museum objects in Japan
- Nara research centre
- The digital archives project
2.3
Recognising the urgent need to give this project greater visibility exploiting existing
transmission media, and primarily the Internet, it was decided to set up an Internet Web Server
dedicated to the project.
The design of the procedures and the proper management of the Server would be.
ensured by an Italo-French Permanent Committee to draft a report for the participants by the end
of 1996. The Web Server would be designed to achieve the following specific objectives:
2.3.1. - to produce a detailed project together with its organisational structure
2.3.2. - to update the participants and computer resources every year (thesauri, dictionaries etc.)
2.3.3. - to issue a charter of principles laying down the rules to be observed by everyone
2.3.4. - to create a permanent forum to deal with the development of the project and the areas of
interest to participants
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2.3.5. - to provide a virtual demonstration of the selected prototype projects and of all related
products and initiatives.
In future the Web Server could be used for more specific tasks, such as organising
an exhibition for information on cultural heritage.
An Internet Web Server has already been brought on-stream at ICCD (Istituto
Centrale per il Catalogo e la Documentazione) where all the main documents relating to the G7
Pilot Project have been collected. Its address is:
http://www.iccd.ministerobbcc.it/G7
At the present time the national representatives of Pilot Project No. 5 are setting up
new working groups in the specific arca to which they are assigned, and are appointing their
coordinators.
A permanent Italo-French committee has been created to draft procedures and to set
out the proper management of the Web Server; the coordinators responsible for it have been
appointed to serve as contact points for the national coordinators of the four areas of work.
This committee is currently drafting the report for the participants which will be
presented at the end of 1996 in order to activate the operations of the Web Server that are
scheduled for the first few months of 1997.
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G7 MEETING ON "MULTIMEDIA ACCESS TO WORLD CULTURAL
HERITAGE" PILOT PROJECT (ROME SEPT. 30TH-OCT. 1ST)
FINAL DOCUMENT
At the Rome meeting of 30 September and 1 October the G7 Representatives
took stock of recent multimedia developments in the field of cultural heritage
and noted the following.
A growing number of cultural bodies (including museums, galleries and
associated agencies) are exploiting telecommunication networks;
National and International projects in the field are in progress or in the
process of being initiated;
The Member States of the European Union have adopted a set of principles
and procedural instruments, enshrined In a Charter and a Memorandum of
Understanding, to foster co-operation among the cultural institutions as well
as between these Institutions and interested Industries for the enhancement
of cultural heritage;
The production and promotion of relevant standards by the International
Documentation Committee of ICOM.
Taking account of these developments, together with the G7 guidellnes on the
Global Information Society, and in particular that relating to the Pilot Project
"Multimedia Access to the World Cultural Heritage", the Rome meeting agreed
to the following.
The setting up of four working groups focusing on:
1 Quality standards for the exploitation of the cultural heritage, standards for
cataloguing and digitisation systems, standards for multilingual
communications, dictionaries and thesauri. (Presentation of Cultural
Heritage and Dissemination of Information)
2 Intellectual property and copyrights (Legal Issues, preservation and
security of data)
3 Standards for Interoperability systems and multimedia technology
applications, telecommunication networks, user interfaces, research tools
and network navigation (Technological Research and Development)
4 Application in the field of protection and management of the cultural
heritage, including identification of data-entry priorities, applications in
education and training, application In the field of cultural tourism and
entertainment, requirements of different types of users (Testing and
Application)
Each working group will be led by a co-ordinator whose task it will be to
facilitate communication between the G7 partners and complete first
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intermediate reports by the end of March 1997, in preparation fro the next
G7 Pilot Project Plenary Meeting.
These areas are respectively assigned to UK (1) USA and Canada(2)France
(3) and Italy (4) as the co-ordinators. They will take into account concurrent
work already being carried out in different fora, disseminating the emerging
information among the seven participants in the Pilot Project.
It is Intended that it remains a progressive Initiative almed at meeting a rapidly
changing technological environment, diversified market and industrial
objectives, as well as cultural requirements still being fully assessed. It Is
further Intended that the Project be flexible, also in order to facilitate the
interaction between Eastern and Western cultures, especially in technical
issues, and prepare the ground for a possible Involvement of partners from
other parts of the world, thus stimulating the creation of innovative tools.
The Pilot Project allows opportunities to examine traditional approaches to
systems interoperability issues, now mainly based upon setting catalogue and
technical standards and matching the different languages (such as thesauri,
dictionaries and SO on).
In this context the scope of the Pilot Project is to be considered as a forum for
the exchange of new ideas and action in the longer term. It should encompass
high cultural quality initiatives and products, almed at fostering a better
education of the general public, particularly youth, and a more effective
training of professionals.
To better assist these goals it was agreed that an Internet Web Server
dedicated to the Project is developed with the following specific objectives:
a dynamic description of the Project as well as its organisational structure;
a yearly update of the participants and of all the informative resources (such
as thesauri, dictionaries and other);
a charter of principles, laying down the rules of the game for participants;
a permanent forum dealing with the Project's development, areas of
concern and procedures for communication among the participants;
a virtual demonstration of the selected prototype projects and of all the
interesting products and proposals.
It is expected that in future the Web server may be also employed for more
specific tasks: the organisation of a cultural heritage information repository for
example.
A drafting committee composed of Italy and France is established with the
task of devising the procedures required for the management of the server. it
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will report to the participants by the end of this year, with the view of initiating
the operations of the Web server early in 1997.
The above schedule and measures will assist the advancement of the
activities originally considered in phase 1 of the project, making it possible to
evaluate further specific objectives to be pursued in the follow up.
How to Involve private partners more intimately in future developments of
the Pilot Project;
how to adjust it progressively to a highly changeable environment;
how to mobilise public and private financial resources that may appear to be
necessary for the further progress of the Pilot Project.
All the above are to be analysed in depth within this framework. The next
plenary meeting will be convened in Spring 1997.
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6. Environment and Natural Ressources
Management
7. Global Emergency Management
8. Global Healthcare Applications
G-7 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS PROJECT: 6TH PROGRESS REPORT (DECEMBER 1996)
Summary of Progress Report 1996
At the beginning of 1996 technical feasibility studies have been launched (see Annex
2). They were funded by the European Commission and open to the contribution of
all G-7 countries and actors involved.
In 1996 also, several countries have expressed interest and nominated observers for
this G7 Global Healthcare Applications project or in individual sub-projects
(Australia, Greece, Ireland, Korea, Sweden and Switzerland). Furthermore, the
interest of several industrial partners and private and public associations has been
raised at the level of several individual sub-projects (notably Deteberkom, France
Telecom, IBM, the Japanese Industrial Association, Matra, Hewlett-Packard and
Telecom Italia). Some of these partners have also announced their willingness to
commit themselves financially notably for sub-project 3.
In 1996, each of the sub-projects have organised several meetings and activities
(see Annex 1) while the G7 coordinators have met twice in Rome on February 26
and May 27-29, 1996, during the Italian Presidency of the European Union.
The preliminary conclusions of the EC-funded feasibility studies have been
evaluated by independent technical experts in November 1996, in Brussels. It
appears that, while several sub-projects have clearly progressed since the
establishment of this G-7 action, especially two areas have already achieved
substantial results, namely the coordination of public health activities (sub-project
1) and the harmonisation of use of health cards (sub-project 6).
According to the opinion of the independent technical experts, it is likely that these
two sub-projects would be the subjects for promising coordinated pilot activities in
1997. The major issue is now to identify the real financial committment of the G-7
countries, project by project, to secure the additional resources needed to start a
pilot implementation phase in 1997.
This should be discussed and concluded during the January 27-28, 1997 G7
meeting, which will be hosted by the United States in Bethesda (Dr. Donald
Lindberg, National Library of Medicine).
******
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G-7 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS PROJECT: 6TH PROGRESS REPORT (DECEMBER 1996)
ANNEX 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The G7 Global Healthcare Applications Project: Overview
This project is made of seven sub-projects.
Sub-project 1, "Towards a Global Public Health Network" investigates the feasibility of linking
existing and emerging public health data telematic networks in Canada, Europe, Japan, the USA,
the World Health Organisation, as well as other international health-related organizations. The
main challenge is to ensure that the systems are inter-operable across the world. User friendly,
fast, cost effective systems hold the key to success.
Sub-project 2, "Improving Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer",
aims at establishing multimedia databases which will enable health professionals across the world
to seek decisional support for patient management and referral. Each participating centre should
be responsible for compiling and updating information, for one or more multimedia databases, on
specific aspects of the disease.
Sub-project 3, "Improving the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Cardiovascular
Diseases" aims at establishing centres of excellence providing tele-consultation services and
access to multimedia databases. Peripheral centres and health professionals should then be able to
access the best possible information and expertise. The centres of excellence should also receive
information on the long-term follow-up of patients from peripheral centres and medical partners.
Sub-project 4, "A 24-hour Multilingual Telemedicine Surveillance and Emergency System
Around the World" could provide the basis for a 24-hour multilingual emergency teleconsultation
service. This service could benefit a wide range of people including those at sea, travellers,
people working in isolated places and those living in regions with less developed healthcare
services.
Sub-project 5 "Enabling mechanisms for global healthcare network" aims to identify the most
efficient tools and communication infrastructure for accessing and navigating the networks. It
should also focus on linguistic aspects - such as on-line translation - and the harmonisation of
security standards for patient related data exchange.
Sub-project 6 "International harmonisation of use of data cards in healthcare" aims at
ensuring: the harmonisation of data sets and the interoperability of applications and services by
complying with relevant international standards; the complementarity and synergy between data
cards and telematics networks; and the acceptability to society by meeting demands for privacy
and security.
Sub-project 7 "Evidence and effectiveness"
During the G-7 meeting in Rome in May 1996, Canada made a proposal for a new sub-project
called "Evidence and effectiveness" (based on the Janus Web-compatible publishing system in
Canada), where evidence-linked information is delivered to the point-of-care, while at the same
time enabling the retrieval of patient-related information from the point-of-care which contributes
to updating the published information. This project will be discussed more in depth during the
G7 meeting on January 27-28 1997 in Bethesda (U.S.A.).
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G-7 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS PROJECT: 6TH PROGRESS REPORT (DECEMBER 1996)
Sub-project 1
TOWARDS A GLOB LL PUBLIC HEALTH NETWORK
This sub-project is specifically aimed at bridging the developments in public health data telematic networks taking
place in the G7 countries and the European Union. In particular the project is investigating the feasibility of linking
existing and emerging public health data telematic networks in Canada, Europe, Japan, the USA, the WHO, and
other international health-related organisations. The results will be used to guide and foster implementation, thereby
avoiding duplication and helping co-ordinated and cohesive development with a view toward extension to a Global
Public Health Information Network.
Description
The following two areas have been selected for initial co-operation:
1. Public health early warnings and communicable diseases:
National and/or regional information systems will be linked to provide both secure and public online access and
retrieval of relevant information on public health hazards (such as: food, drugs and medical devices) and
infectious diseases (such as AIDS). This will reduce mortality and morbidity as well as prevent the spread and
impact of outbreaks of infectious diseases amongst populations.
Furthermore, health related industries can be expected to download and use/exchange relevant information. Also,
public health professionals and authorities will be able to retrieve and exchange current public health information
on new and re-emerging infectious diseases.
2. Vital statistics:
National and international regulations and agreements govern reporting of public health data. National data bases
are established. Such data at the national and international level are essential for each country to compare and
identify areas for public health action. Here each country might learn from the successes and failures of other
public health programs.
Implementation Plan
Preparatory studies to remove immediate obstacles (e.g. identify network compatibility issues) and to locate
available databases (inventory).
Feasibility studies to identify a common core of information and data within current national and international
(WHO) public health information systems for the agreed areas of initial cooperation (public health early warning
and communicable diseases, as well as vital statistics).
Develop and implement a plan for a Global Public Health Information Network, in consultation with Ministries of
Health and in contact with appropriate NGOs and industrial partners, also taking into account financial
considerations.
Actions (1996)
April 1996: Demonstration of available information and and discussion of interim results of feasibility study.
Fall 1996: Consensus conference, including officials from Health Ministries.
Spring 1997: Public launch of the implementation of the Global Public Health Information Network.
Current Status
In April 1996 a conference of the national representatives of this sub-project was held at CDC Atlanta. Areas for
initial cooperation have been agreed to, and shared actions and studies were decided. An inventory of available data
bases has been established. Focus for 1996 has been on communicable diseases/early warnings and on vital statistics.
Links to the recently established EU-USA task force on communicable diseases have also been connected.
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Sub-project 2
IMPROVING PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
OF CANCER
The objective of this action is to bolster existing international collaboration through the deployment of
telecommunication and informatics i.e. telematics based solutions that will place the best available information and
expertise at the disposal of health professionals and other human resources in the G-7 countries, and also ultimately
throughout the world.
Description
The action covers the two following areas of work:
(1) - The establishment of a network of reference cancer centres. The network has the three following goals:
To contribute to the development of global databases on (1) Epidemiological data, (2) Carcinogenic agents and
protective factors, (3) Good medical practices in cancer care, (4) Bone marrow donor banks, (5) Quality
assurance of cancer diagnosis and cancer care, (6) Registration of clinical trials, (7) Effects and side effects of
cancer drugs and cancer treatment, (8) Pathology, radiology and radiotherapy.
To explore the databases on epidemiological data and on carcinogenic agents and protective factors for
developing clear messages to the general public concerning possibilities for cancer prevention.
To explore the clinical databases for designing new treatment regiments.
To implement and identify the problems of telemedecine in the field of oncology (teleconsultation, telediagnosis,
teleconference for discussing treatment protocols on clinical investigations, tele-education.
Criteria for selection of cancer centres have been defined as follows : (1) Sufficient load of patients and large
educational and research activities. (2) Already works as reference centre at a national and regional level. If possible
experience in the use of telematics for relations with other hospital centres and in networking with other hospitals.
(3) Large experience in clinical research and participation to a large number of clinical trials. (4) Great motivation
and commitment for an international cooperation in this project (during the initial phase in English language, later
hopefully in national language with the help of on-line translation). (5) Willingness to evaluate the contributions of
other centres. (6) Availability of staff. (7) Financial support available for international activity from governmental
or national cancer associations. (8) Contribution to existing or envisaged databases.
(2) - Linking and improving existing databases to create global databases. The following countries or organisations
have indicated interest for taking a leading role in the deployment of the databases mentioned : (1) Epidemiological
data (IARC); (2) Carcinogenic agents and protective factors (IARC); (3) Good medical practices in cancer care (US,
Can, UK), (4) Bone marrow donor banks (F), (5) Quality assurance of cancer diagnosis and cancer care (NL, B),
(6) Registration of clinical trials (ELSEVIER and MRC Cambridge), (7) Effects and side-effects of cancer drugs
and cancer treatment (European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products EMEA, FDA), (8) Pathology,
radiology and radiotherapy (Japan, F).
Implementation plan
1. Existing collaborative activities: There is already a long standing and extensive co-operation between national
and international organisations in the cancer field.
2. Type of participants: Besides the national cancer institutes or organisations of the G-7 countries, several
international organisations will be involved such as the International Agency for Research against Cancer (LARC)
in Lyon, France or the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).
3. Mechanisms for possible extension to other countries: Other countries will be kept informed and invited to join
the project, especially those countries where there is a static or increasing level of cancer death such as in Eastern
Europe.
4. Preliminary estimated COSI: The costs for 3 feasibility study and the networking of existing databases into a
global database can be roughly estimated at 1 to 2 MECU per global database and the maintenance costs at 0.3
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to 0.5 MECU per year. The total costs for all ten major global databases will amount to 10 to 20 MECU. Each
participant from the G-7 countries should bear the cost of one or two databases. With respect to the pilot
project, the participating centres should incur marginal costs since they will be able to use existing 2 megabit/s
links and the 34 megabit/s global interconnections, the cost of which will be born by the G-7 project on global
interconnections. The marginal costs for each participating centre could be estimated at about 0.3 MECU per
year.
Actions (1996/1997)
1. Selection of reference cancer centres, international organisations and associations with a co-ordinating role
international level.
2. Seach for Financial support and commitments of countries and participating centres.
Current status
A feasibility study funded by the European Commission has been launched in January 1996. Coordinator of the
study: MARI Computer System Ltd, Newcastle (Mr. Din Ghani in close collaboration with Prof. Maurice Tubiana).
The sub-project has started studying in a first phase the feasibility of the implementation of a small number of
international databases for assisting health professionals in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer as well
as for cancer research. The following preliminary results can be reported:
epidemiological data: A home page for epidemiology for cancer with links to IARC-reviewed sites with cancer
epidemiology data could be produced The European Network of Cancer Registries "EuroCIS" package could
be made available on the Web.
carcinogenic agents and protective factors: Discussions are ongoing with Silver Platter about possibilities to make
their-CD-ROM version of the LARC monographs series on carcinogens available on Internet
best medical practice: Discussions are ongoing with the Cochrane cancer group in order to investigate how the G-
7 framework could best complement their activity.
register of clinical trials: Countries that already fund national or regional registries should establish and
demonstrate an appropriate technical solution for a joint register.
effcts and side effects of drugs: A small workshop of key (existing commercial) database producers will be set up
to debate the possibility of interlinking their databases.
quality assurance of treatment and diagnosis: It is recommended to organise an international workshop on
imaging standards.
image databases for pathology and radiology: It is proposed to build on the existing collaboration for Internet
telepathology.
bone marrow donor banks: All transplant teams should be connected in order to allow on line selection of the best
donor.
network of cancer centres: It is proposed to study the feasibility of the establishment of a network of specialist
centres hosting specific information sources. The existing EMBNet model will be investigated for its usefullness
in this respect. A number of the above mentioned databases could be supported or hosted through such a
network. This will be investigated in the next phase of the study.
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Sub-project 3
IMPROVING THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF
CARDIO /ASCULAR DISEASES
The objective is to improve the cost/effectiveness and the efficiency of diagnosis management and prevention of
cardiovascular diseases by the deployment of healthcare telematics in a co-ordinated stratified system of care. It is
proposed to build a modular telematic system linking together: centres of excellence, major operational centres,
peripheral centres and single medical practises, providing (1) telematic support for clinical decision making based on
both remote expert advice and computer based decision support, that help defining priorities for patient's referral; (2)
3 set of distributed databases containing alphanumeric data, static and dynamic biosignals and images that allows a
continuous update of the computer-aided decision making process; (3) continuing medical education. A strong.
commitment by the G-7 is necessary in order to co-ordinate and standardise existing local, spontaneous initiatives so
that they may become applicable, in a modular fashion, to member countries. This approach can optimise cost
effectiveness of medical care and provide a systematic auditing of patient care by health authorities.
Description
A Steering Committee is defining those users needs that most effectively can be satisfied by telematic links in a
modular coordinated stratified system of care and their applicability to local practises in member countries. The
Steering Committee will nominate a Technical Committee that will define the operational aspects, the adoption of
existing standards and of consensus over non-standardised items and will also liaise with the other global healthcare
application sub-projects.
Modules linking together excellence centres with major operational centre, peripheral centres (via dedicated telematic
connections) and single medical practices (via Internet) will be implemented in each country. The sub-project is
making use of available technologies. The modules will be tailored on local practices but with a common design,
specifications and definitions. Single users and peripheral centres can seek decisional support for patient management
and referral to major or to excellence centres. Centres of excellence will receive information on long term follow-up
of patients from peripheral centres and medical partners; each excellence centre will be responsible for organising one
or more database on specific aspects; all excellence centres will agree a core set of common data; each excellence
centre will define and maintain the specifications of data relative to their responsibility; all centre will gather data on
diseases according to the agreed specifications; patients' demographics are private and will not appear in the public
database.
Implementation plan (presented in Ottawa, Nov. 1995)
Stage 1(1996-1997)
The implementation plan will follow these steps: (1) survey of available initiatives on existing stratified systems of
care and on cardiovascular databases; (2) definition of users/participants groups, identification of possible sources of
financial support and industrial partners; (3) analysis of users needs; (4) specifications and design; (5) feasibility
investigations (clinical and technical); (6) evaluation and validation of the usefulness or regional national and
international modular telematic networks; (7) dissemination of results and exploitation.
Stage 2 (1997-1998)
Consolidation of the pilot. Extension of the pilot to a core group of partners. Integration of national experiences into
a global network.
Stage 3 (1999)
Global deployment of 8 databases on the following issues: Surgery, Myocardial Infarct, Percutaneous transluminal
angioplasty, Heart Failure, Angina, Risk factor, Pacemakers&intracardiac devices, Stratified systems of care.
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Actions (1996)
January 1996: A feasibility study called "G-7 Cardio", funded by the EC and involving the 4 European G7
countries started 1st January 1996 with the following goals: analysis of users' needs, survey of existing examples
of stratified systems of care, definition of clinical descriptors, system design and building of a test model,
extension to other countries.
February 1996: Sub-project conference in Rome 15-16 February. Representatives from all the G7 countries
attended together with representatives of other invited countries. Top level industrialists and governments' officers
attended also.
May 1996, Johannesburg: Project G7 Cardio attended both the Heal and the ISAD conferences, presenting a
demonstration.
Appointments
April 95: M. Murakami as Japanese nominated expert
July 95: Prof. Robert Califf (Duke University-Durham NC), ad-hoc group (by Lenfant), Dr Millicent Higgins
(Nat. heart, Lung and Blood Inst-MD), ad-hoc group (by Lenfant), Dr A. Escher-(Swiss Academy of Medical
sciences), as a Swiss nominated expert
April 96: Prof. Poole-Wilson as a UK nominated expert.
Current status
A feasibility study has been launched in January 1996. Coordinator of the studies: Prof. Attilio Maseri, Università
cattolica, Roma. Deadline for the results of the feasibility study is end 1996. The project was perceived as quite
advanced, with a fairly balanced international participation. The steering committee of the sub-project includes
representatives of scientific societies worldwide at the highest level. The industrial interest is demonstrated by active
participation and investments by Hewlett-Packard and Telecom Italy. More info at
http://www.italy.hp:com:8800/g7cardio.
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Subproject 8.3
Ministero deglt Affari Esteri
Direzione Generale degli Affari Economici
Coordhamento Energia, Amblente
e Cooperazione Tecnologica
teleFAX
Total number of pages: 2
Rome - December 16th, 1996
From:
Mrs. Anna BLEFARI SCHNEIDER
Coordinator for Energy, Environment and Technological Cooperation
Directorate General of Economic Affairs - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Rome. Italy.
Tph (39) (6) 3236091 - Tfax (39) (6) 3221582
Subject: G7 Pilot Projects National Coordinators Meeting.
Theme 11. 8: sub-project "Cardiovascular Network"
to:
Mr. Emmanuel Gabla - Fax. 00331-43196300
copies to:
G-7 Pilot Projects National Coordinators
Fax #
Mr. J.
Wenzel
European Commission 0032-2-299-4170
Mr. Keith
Chang
Canada
001613-990-3858
Mr. Rolf
Hochreiter
Germany
0049-228-615-3783
Mr. Akitaka
Saiki
Japan'
0081-3-3503-3136
Mr. Chris
Matthews
United Kingdom
0044-1-71-2151751
Mr. Thomas Kalil
United States
001202-456-2223
Attached please find the status report for sub-project 3 "Cardiovascular
Network" of Pilot Project n. 8 (Global Healthcare Application). The objectives of
the study and the key conclusions submitted by the Italian sub project leader. can
be summarised as follows:
Objectives of the study
The goal of the G7-cardio is a concerted action which will support a
feasibility study and the building of a test model for the Global
Cardiovascular Database Project involving the four European G7
countries.
The quality of care and its cost effectiveness could be greatly enhanced
by a telematics based stratified system of care capable of: 1) providing
on-line expert advice: 2) coordinating patient referrals; and 3)
establishing specific data bases for updating computer aided decision
I : Ps 15:13 19/11/96
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DIREZIONE GENERALE DEGLI AFFARI ECONOMICI
Coordinamento, Energia. Imbiente
e Cooperazione Tecnologica
support tools and for monitoring the cost/benefits of diagnostic and
therapeutic strategies.
The development of such telematics based stratified systems of care
cannot be left to the initiative of isolated institutions because this will
lead to the duplication of work and expenses and because the lack of
standardization will delay its modular application across borders.
Key Conclusions (preliminary - November 96)
Although the study has not yet been completed, it is clear that the final
objectives will be achieved according to the study specifications. The
successful deployment, on a world-wide basis, of the databases that are
being developed requires: 1) the commitment of the existing user groups
(Cardiological Societies); 2) a flexible technological platform (Internet
Technologies); 3) a modular structure for the clinical descriptors (Dynamic
Standards); 4) enrichment of the database with qualitative elements (Best
Practices, Case Studies and Protocols); and 5) the proficient use of the
methodology (Useability and Education). The results achieved so far have
demonstrated the feasibility of points 1
, and suggest the feasibility of
points 2 and 3 Definite proof of the feasibility of points 2' and 3 and that
of point 4 will not be available until the end of the study period. Two
major obstacles have been identified so far: 1) the availability of full-time
dedicated clinical resources, and 2) the high cost of the telecommunication
links required.
Agaler
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G-7 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS PROJECT: 6TH PROGRESS REPORT (DECEMBER 1996)
Sub-project 4
A 24 HOUR MULTILINGUAL TELEMEDICINE SURVEILLANCE AND EMERGENCY
SER VICE AROUND THE WORLD
The objective of this sub-project would be the establishment of a transnational and multilingual health emergency
system able to improve promptness and effectiveness of interventions and service management through telematic
interconnections of the emergency points of care and of all actors and services involved. The system should be
designed as complementary to disaster medicine services.
Description
Existing or emerging telemediciae centres around the world should play the major role in this sub-project. Such a co-
operation could be fostered through (1) launching a study to specify requirements for and to suggest solutions to.
problems of security, medical liability, cost/effectiveness, confidentiality and management, (2) the establishment of a
directory of telemedicine centres fulfilling the requirements, (3) the organisation of conferences involving both
telemedicine centres and prospective users. Also pilot projects focusing on specific target groups (for example
vessels at sea or offshore installations) could be the basis to test the feasibility of a truly worldwide network.
The action could link up with the world-wide satellite-based distress communication system that has been developed
since 1992 on the basis of an international agreement leading to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
(GMDSS), which is planned to be fully operational worldwide by 1999. International organisations dealing with
emergency and search-and-rescue at sea, telemedicine centres and centres of excellence with specific medical
expertise, Coast Guard and radio communication services for navigators, satellite communication operators,
independent emergency medical teams, Ministries of Health, independent value-added network service providers and
insurance companies should be involved in this sub-project. The participants, private or public, should be encouraged
to provide emergency services to which all kind of organisations responsible for their employees could subscribe.
A number of systems and also trans-borders services already exist. They could form the basis for the development of
the global service as foreseen. A large number of Organisations worldwide are currently involved in Emergency
Telemedicine. Amongst others there are: L'Institut Européen de Télémédecine in France, the US Department of
Defence, the Massachusetts General Hospital in the USA, the Robert Gordon Institute of Technology in Aberdeen
UK, the City Hospital of Cuxhaven in Germany, Centro Radiomedico Italiano in Italy, and similar telemedicine
services in Denmark, Norway, Greece, and other countries. Private service companies, telecom or satellite service
providers such as British Telecom, Telecom Italia, France Telecom and Comsat in USA are also involved.
Actions (1996)
Start of the European segment of the feasibility study in January 1996 (duration 1 year).
Launch of the pilot phase expected in 1997.
Main meetings (1996)
23 Feb '96 in Nice: Project meeting, new participants from Italy (Discussion on general architecture)
22 March '96 in Paris: Steering Committee meeting and Project team meeting (Pilot projects; Funding of next phase)
13-17 May '96 in South Africa: Demonstrations in G-7 Conference
Progress of work
Definition of the architecture of the system: (done)
Specification of medical requirements: (done)
Technological assessment and organisation of pilot projects: (ongoing)
Preparation of the Final Conference to be held in Rome to present the results of the feasibility study: (started)
A number of bilateral discussions on expert level replaced the originally planned workshop with experts within
and beyond the European segment of the feasibility study.
Current status
Contacts with Institutions and private companies that provide on an operational basis emergency telemedicine services
have been established. Also contacts with consortia active in the same field in the context of R&D projects funded by
the EC have been established.
A feasilibity study (European part) jointly signed by France and Italy with the European Commission started in
January 1996. Coordinators of the study: CHRU Toulouse (France) and CIRM, Rome (Italy).
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Sub- project 5
ENABLING MECHANISMS FOR GLOBAL HEALTH NETWORKS
This sub-project should contribute to the development and use of effective healthcare networks and help to construct a
global information society for health. It intends to address the specific tasks listed below.
Standards
1. Definition of common goals and strategies in standardisation in medical informatics, with particular emphasis on
standards for medical nomenclature and codes, and selection of existing (de jure and de facto) standards to become
ISO-standards.
2. Co-ordination of on-going and future standardisation activities in order to avoid overlaps and the emergence of
conflicting solutions.
Access tools and linguistics
1. Evaluation of systems for intelligent navigation, and access/retrieval of medical information and knowledge (such
as Janus), graphical interfaces for accessing the Internet (such as Mosaic).
2. Exploration of the feasibility of using on-line translation for international healthcare network services.
Privacy, security and other issues
1. Study on harmonisation of security (confidentiality, integrity and availability) standards for patient related data
exchange across international healthcare networks.
2. Study of societal, legal, ethical, organisational and other issues in order to reduce obstacles to the global
information society for health.
The sub-project should help to promote the development of interoperable solutions for healthcare networks. Existing
collaborative activities: Europe (CEN/TC 251), U.S. (ANSI HISPP), Japan (MEDIS-DC), Canada (Department of
Health), Germany (DIMDI, MEDIS, GMDS), and International Organisations such as WHO, IMIA, ISO and others.
Other countries can be reached through the channel of the existing regional standards bodies and other relevant
international organisations.
Implementation plan
Sub-project 5 should not be developing new standards or products but will be compiling an inventory of existing and
available hardware and software tools, standards, coding systems etc., and recommending how these may be
exploited and shared. Telephone interviews, written questionnaires and where possible, personal interviews should be
conducted with key members of other sub-groups to establish:
technical functional and physical deliverables required from sub-group 5 in support of their goals.
an inventory of existing network and end system security techniques/devices in use and, make
recommendations/advice on how a common standard tool set might be agreed in support of patient confidentiality
and data integrity.
an inventory of current nomenclature and coding methodologies in use, for clinical messages/objects, especially
for cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
the availability and specification of appropriate navigation tools necessary to provide the functionality.
the preferred networking medium to meet international messaging/broadband/interactive requirements in support
of groups 1-4.
plans for next stage together with outline funding estimates.
Current status
Sub-Project 5 has produced a report titled "Initial Findings Report" which was presented in the Ottawa meeting of
95, discussed in the Brussels meeting of 27-28 February 1996 and distributed, as version 1.0, to a wide range of G-
7 healthcare participants. No feasibility study is being performed.
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Sub-project 6
INTERNATIONAL HARMONISATI OF THE USE OF DATA CARDS IN
HEALTHCARE
The benefits of using cards containing administrative information for patient identification, social security and health
insurance, and basic medical information to be used in emergency are already proven enough for several countries to
move towards national large-scale implementations. The administrative specifications are based on two main
requirements:
to identify the patient and his/her entitlement to care: a basic set of administrative data is stored within the card
and/or embossed on its surface;
to identify the medical professional and his/her entitlement to access and/or process the medical data of an
individual patient, either locally on the personal card of the patient, or through a telematic connection with a
remote data base. Another application is that of accessing information or services reserved to the medical
profession, while for the general public this applies to the possibility of receiving personalised medical
information and advice.
With reference to the medical data, some countries are considering to develop an electronic patient record as a
portable medical file, whose essential information can be stored on a card, together with pointers to the more
extended records that are available in remote databases for telematic access. Other applications are aimed at providing
essential information about the patient in emergency situations, or to keep track of the history of medications and of
compliance to treatment are also considered. Finally, several on-going experiments of patient data cards deal with
specific subsets of the patients population (some chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiac risks, pregnant women,
newborns, etc).
In general terms the card is not seen as a stand-alone element, but as an enabling component of a more global
communication system. The card is seen both as a key used to access the existing telematic infrastructure, providing
the necessary user identification and security requirements, and as a medium able to supplement and integrate the
existing physical infrastructure for data transfer, where the carrier of information is the same person holding the card
and moving from one point of service to another.
The issues of confidentiality and security of patient records are a major concern for the Authorities involved and for
the general public. While there are still different data protection laws in participating countries and different
interpretations on the ownership of data, as well as different sensibilities to ethical issues, some broad principles can
form a substantial basis on which the use of cards in healthcare are being implemented. For instance, it is now widely
accepted that the decision to use a card containing personal medical information should remain with the individual
citizen on a voluntary personal basis¹.
Status in participating countries
EU activities
Since 1993, the European Union has organised a concerted action amongst its Member States ("Eurocards") with the
objective of harmonising the use of patient data cards for administrative, clinical and emergency applications in
Europe. It is now involving partners from all European Countries (including some from East Europe). The
Departments of Health of all Member States are represented in this group and in most cases have actively participated
in the working groups.
Eurocards has lead to the creation of an internationally recognised group of experts that has developed by consensus
common principles, data sets, guidelines and recommendation on the use of health cards in several applications
(admistrative cards, emergency cards, medical cards, health professional cards). In addition, the European
:
Due to the concerns for confidentiality, the suggestion coming from the development models is to separate the content of clinical data into a
basic medical data set which can be accessed in emergency situations directly by all healthcare professionals, and an extended medical data set,
with the essential patient medical history, or the necessary information to access and retrieve it from remove institutions or practitioners, protected
by a security mechanism. The doctor's right to access these data is demonstrated by the combined use of the professional card and of the
patient's card. If professional cards are introduced, patient and professional cards become the key security mechanism within all information
processing in health care. Both cards could also be access keys to telematic services. In this perspective cards and actworks are not competiting
but synergie; especially the use of professional cards that may enhance the security of the health data in networks.
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Commission, under the coordination of Eurocards, has sponsored pilot projects to test these concepts.
Two countries in Europe, namely France and Germany, have traditionally been leading the development of
technology and the pilot phase. Germany has moved into nation-wide implementation. France is also planning to do
so and other European countries have indicated they will follow a similar direction.
North America
For USA, in the proposed healthcare reform of President Clinton a key role was given to the patient security card for
entitlement to care and for access to the networked healthcare system. Pilot projects that are currently on-going in
North-America include the Health Passport in the West, the EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for social assistance,
the development of an emergency card for the US military personnel and community cards in Canada. In 1994 a link
was established between Eurocards and Canada (Quebec).
Japan
In Japan, since the middle of 1980s, data cards systems have been developed and under practical use in many towns
and cities in Japan, and a guideline to recommend a card system for healthcare, which established the interoperability
in common service, was issued by MEDIS-DC in 1994. A number of pilot projects are under development,
including multifunction cards to be used in metropolitan areas for both clinical and social applications.
Objectives of the sub-project
The objective of this G-7 sub project is to develop a framework for co-ordination within the G-7 countries, to meet
the principles of data harmonisation and application interoperability of health cards. The action will facilitate the
transition from local pilot experiments to a more enlarged co-ordinated implementation phase worldwide with
interoperable cards.
Two directions have been identified as pilot areas for a global approach to the theme:
1. an international emergency card that will provide (on a voluntary basis) the essential medical information that is
vital for an emergency situation, as well as an internationally harmonised administrative data set, and
2. an international professional card that will allow the secure identification of healthcare professionals when
accessing medical data and network services.
Implementation plan
The first step has been the creation of a framework for exchange of information and collaboration amongst interested
parties. A continuation of the European concerted action EUROCARDS (G7CARDS), funded by the European
Commission, and a feasibility study have been launched at the beginning of 1996. Coordinator of the action and of
the study is M. H. Doaré, Cap Sesa Informatique Hospitalière, Paris.
A major emphasis is placed upon developing technical and functional interoperability so that all cards from all
participating manufacturers can be read in the different participating countries. Technical and functional
interoperability of the cards must go together with the establishment of a legal and organisational framework that
ensures mutual recognition of the cards and that makes the exchange of personal information protected and secure.
There are currently two proposed technical interoperability plans, from the European Union and from Japan. A
North-American platform for an emergency card has also been proposed. Substantial progress has been made in a
recent meeting in Atlanta (Georgia, USA May 1996) towards the harmonisation of these technical platforms. Also
an agreement of the major manufacturers has been reached, to provide a common software library to access their
cards in pilot projects and as a practical tool for interoperability and for convergence to a common standard. In the
same Atlanta meeting plans for the international harmonisation pilots have been discussed. Additional information on
this topic, and pointers to additional information related to the G-7 projects, Healthcare Data Cards, Smart Cards and
Standards may be found on the World Wide Web at URL http://www.clinical-info.co.uk/euhci.htm and
http://www.va.gov/card/g7card.htm.
Status of the sub-project
Technical platforms for worldwide interoperability, presented by EU and Japan with contributions from USA and
Canada, are under discussion for harmonisation. Principles and guidelines for setting up global pilots on health
emergency card have been discussed. These pilots should be launched in 1997 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy and
very likely Japan).
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NATIONAL COORDINATORS MEETING 20 DECEMBER 1996
Project 9: Government On-Line
Status Report
1.
Objectives
The primary objective of the G7 GOL project is to investigate the scope for a significant
increase in the use of on-line technology to transform government SO that, by the turn of the
century, most administrative business will be conducted electronically. In particular, the
project is examining three main themes: the replacement of paper-based mail by electronic
mail, not only within government itself but also with the public; the provision of fully
interactive, on-line services for more complex transactions, allowing the public both to obtain
and provide information from a variety of locations including the home; and the development
of on-line transaction processing for the support and delivery of routine services.
The GOL project is providing an opportunity for countries: to collaborate in trying to achieve
the objectives of the individual administrations quicker, cheaper and more effectively; to
reduce duplication of effort; and to speed up the entire development and implementation
process.
To this point, the project has succeeded in promoting and publicising the concept of provision
of on-line services, and faciliting the exchange of information between countries. It has also
provided a vision of what can be achieved and has significantly raised awareness world-wide
about policies, plans and implementation of on-line government services. However, due to a
lack of resources, it is proving difficult to fulfil project objectives in a timely manner. For
example, developing an objective assessment of best practice guidance for the development of
on-line services, based on collective experience, requires comprehensive benchmarking and
on-going monitoring of progress, both of which require resources that are not currently
available.
2.
Participation
The G7 GOL project has attracted the participation of administrations from 22 countries and
the European Commission. The GOL project received early indications of interest from a
number of non-G7 administrations and, as a result, in 1995, the project developed and
approved guidelines for the participation of non-G7 organisations. This project was the first to
welcome non-G7 partners, Sweden and Australia being the first non-G7 countries to join the
project at the second meeting in Ottawa in May 1995. At the October '95 meeting Hungary,
Israel, Malta and Switzerland joined; in February '96 South Africa joined; in June '96 Brazil,
Czech Republic, Egypt and Korea joined; and at the 6th meeting in Switzerland, Portugal
joined. Other countries such as Finland, Ireland and Mexico have been unable to attend
meetings but have been involved in the project through receipt of papers and via email
discussions.
Although each administration's participation is co-ordinated through a single contact in each
country, the direct participation of all levels of government is encouraged. The City of Rome
has become the first municipal level of government to participate directly in the project. The
UK Local Government Management Board (LGMB) has recently expressed interest. Interest
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has also been expressed by representatives of other national administrations including Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Iran, Jersey, Kuwait, Norway, New Zealand, Spain, Slovakia, and Taiwan.
To date, there is no private sector involvement in the project. The project has not proactively
sought involvement by individual private sector organizations though some non-government
organizations have asked for information about the project, in some cases under the
assumption that the project has funds available. The project has established liaison with a
number of international collaborative organisations (see 4.4 and 5.5) and is examining ways to
get private sector groups involved but no specific commitments on collaboration have yet been
agreed.
3.
Sub-projects
The GOL project currently has twelve sub-projects, as follows:
1. An analysis of Information Society strategies and policies: many countries have
published statements, plans and policies about their development within the Information
Society.
2. Directory services: to share information about the development of government directories
with the possibility of developing inter-linked and co-operating directories.
3. Information sharing and re-use within a national government: the principle of
government collecting and storing commonly-used information once for use across
government departments is being investigated. The issues, benefits and problems in doing
this will be considered.
4. Formal on-line transactions: to investigate the problems faced in delivering two-way
transaction services on-line, to identify good case study examples and to develop best
practice guidance.
5. Single window government/oue-stop shop: this sub-project is focusing on the integrated
delivery of government services, identifying where one stop government is already in its
formative stages. Issues arising from a single window approach will be addressed.
6. Kiosks: to exchange information about kiosk projects in participating countries such that
best practices can be identified.
7.
On-line support for democracy: all aspects of on-line services to the public in support of
the democratic process will be considered, including how the citizen should be able to
communicate with government.
8.
Compendium of government on-line activities: a catalogue of initiatives of interest to
the Government On-Line project will be developed, complementary to the Global Inventory
Project to facilitate information sharing generally.
9. Permits and licences: to exchange information about applications which can be
categorised as licensing, permission, approval, etc. and to develop guidelines
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10. Delivering government information electronically: the sub-project will focus on
publicising innovative ways of providing government information electronically to citizens,
businesses and other government customers.
11. Locating government information electronically: to stimulate the development of
effective mechanisms which will improve the accessibility of government information for
citizens, enterprises and other government customers.
12. Charging for services and information: the project will investigate all aspects of
charging for government information and services, including mechanisms for collecting
payments.
Proposals for two further sub-projects are under development. The first will be concerned
with smartcard usage and trials. The second will link together local government
representatives to enable them to exchange experiences.
4.
Progress and achievements of the project to date
4.1
Infrastructure Achievements
Several important achievements relate to project infrastructure and operation. While these
achievements may not be externally visible in the form of G7 GOL "products", they are
important in that they help ensure the orderly progress and management of the overall project
and the sub-projects. These achievements include:
The establishment of management guidelines for the sub-project initiation and operation;
The establishment of ground rules for the participation of non-G7 organisations;
The development of a project definition/strategy guideline; and
The establishment, by the secretariat, of support and operating procedures that aid the
smooth running of the overall project.
4.2
Communications Achievements
Communications achievements cover both internal communications (between participants,
sub-project teams and the secretariat), external communications and publicity.
In the area of internal communications the project has overcome some significant obstacles to
facilitate efficient and effective e-mail, file transfer and document transfer in an environment
that includes many different, sometimes incompatible, software and hardware systems. In
doing this the project has demonstrated the ability to use electronic services successfully which
may encourage administrations to use such facilities themselves. In addition to setting an
example to others, it has been found that use of the available electronic services is really the
only effective way to maintain project momentum between meetings. Much valuable
experience has been gained by members in overcoming the problems of electronic exchanges
between administrations.
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The project has also established a web site on the Internet (http://www.open.gov.uk
/govoline/golintro.htm) as a way of keeping both project participants and non-participants
informed of the project's objectives and progress. The Government On-Line web site provides
links to related topics on the national web sites of participating administrations.
Demonstrations illustrating some of the sub-projects were mounted at the 1995 Halifax G7
Summit and at the Information Society and Development ministerial conference held in South
Africa in May, 1996.
Numerous presentations have been made by the co-chairmen and project team members.
Video-conferencing has been successfully used to link participating administrations, both for
conference presentations and for the conduct of some GOL business another illustration of
the project using the technology it seeks to promote. Individual project participants have also
sought to promote the project's objectives by giving presentations to smaller gatherings within
their respective countries and administrations.
Logos have been developed to give the project a distinct identity, and brochures have been
produced and made widely available to provide information on the project and the
participants. (The brochures have been made available electronically to allow participants to
make changes to reflect local/national information.)
4.3
Progress on the sub-projects
A number of sub-projects were proposed at the first GOL meeting in March 1995. These
included activities that dealt with internal administration, project procedures, communications
and publicity. These were subsequently de-classified as sub-projects and grouped under
secretariat/project management activities. Progress on these activities is reflected above under
Project infrastructure and communications. By the second meeting in June 1995, members
had had the opportunity to review and respond to the various sub-project proposals.
Contributors and leaders were identified so that work could get underway.
When the GOL project began, the co-chairmen expressed the hope that some of the sub-
projects would begin to show results in 12-18 months, though it was recognised that some of
the longer term activities would have 3-5 year time-scales. Given the June '95 start for the
initial sub-projects, it is encouraging to see that some results are now beginning to be seen.
However, in many cases, progress has been less than expected due to resource contraints.
Most administrations involved in the project find that their involvement is in addition to a
100% workload, and therefore find it difficult to do more than prepare for meetings, exchange
documents and reply to emails. Unless the resource problem can be overcome, the ability to
achieve significant deliverables, such as case studies and best practices, will be severely
impaired.
It is planned that the co-chairs will meet early in 1997 to review all the sub-projects in order to
simplify the structure and ensure the objectives are clear and realisable.
With respect to the individual sub-projects, the following results are noted:
(1) Analysis of Information Society strategies and policies
Copies of strategy and policy documents have been exchanged but the analysis work has not
yet been carried out due to lack of resources. There is significant interest in this sub-project as
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participants would like to carry out a high level benchmarking exercise or comparison of
developments in a number of countries.
(2) Directory Services
A number of administrations are developing, or have expressed interest in developing,
government-wide X.500 directories. This sub-project, which is initially focused on information
exchange but which may later lead to technology transfer, is focused on making available
information and experiences from those working on such developments. Contacts on directory
projects have been established in six administrations and additional contacts are expected over
the next year. A brief summary status report was presented to the June '96 GOL meeting and
a case study on the X.500 implementation in Canada has been delivered.
(3) Information sharing and re-use within a national government
The UK has produced a briefing on activities in 11 countries and a proposal for areas to be
considered. Korea has taken on leadership of the sub-project since this topic is of major
importance to them and their intentions for the sub-project are awaited.
(5) Formal on-line transactions
There has been considerable difficulty in scoping this sub-project. A discussion paper was
developed by the UK and placed on the web. Future work will depend on comments from
participants and resources available.
(6) Single window government/one-stop shop
A web site has been set up by the USA identifying examples of one-stop shops on the web.
This is an excellent example of a deliverable, which has been made publicly available. The
information is accessible by country (http://www.info.gov/Info/html/g7gol_country.htm) or by
service (http://www.info.gov.uk/Info/html/g7gol_function.htm). Due to lack of resources it
has not been possible to carry out analysis in order to develop best practice guidance on this
topic.
(7) Kiosks
Considerable information about kiosk pilot projects has been exchanged. It is hoped that a
resource such as a CD-ROM of illustrative examples can be produced and that some best
practice guidance can be distilled from the enormous amount of experience which is available.
(8) On-line support for democracy
There are various aspects of the topic of Electronic Democracy. These include: information
dissemination (making information easily and quickly available); facilitating public contact
electronically with elected officials and with those who work in the public service; and
increasing opportunities for public participation in the democratic processes. A demonstration
of some of these aspects was mounted at the Information Society and Development
conference held in South Africa in May this year. This project is of particular interest to some
of the developing countries.
Some interesting papers and e-mails have been exchanged about activities in various countries
and a project proposal has been developed by Sweden. Unfortunately, at this point, resources
to allow this project to achieve its full potential have not been identified.
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(9) Compendium of government on-line activities and interests
This sub-project aims to provide a database of GOL-related activities and interests, classified
under simple categories, together with a status indicator and a contact for further information.
The sub-project was initially intended to provide an indication, for internal project purposes,
of initiatives in the participating administrations that could possibly contribute to GOL sub-
projects, the idea being that if work was proposed on a particular topic it would be possible to
get a quick reading on existing work related to that topic. However, a significant degree of
interest in the results of this sub-project has now been shown by outside agencies, particularly
in the developing countries.
A pilot compendium has now been established and is accessible on the World Wide Web
(http://www.info.tbs-sct.gc.ca/G7/) The available information comprises summary
descriptions, status, category of project, and contact information and is currently based on
work underway in Canada, Sweden and the UK. The compendium is set up so that anyone can
contribute relevant projects by completing information in an on-line template. The
compendium will be extended to cover work in other administrations over the next few
months, subject to availability of resources. The GOL Compendium complements the Global
Inventory Project.
(10) Permits and licences
Japan is actively working on this topic and keeping participants informed. Japan has recently
developed a questionnaire to gather information about activities in other countries.
Due to an overlap between this sub-project and formal transactions, they are likely to be
merged as part of a review of all sub-projects.
(11) Delivering government information electronically
There has been considerable exchange of information on this topic and web addresses of
important government sites which are live examples of delivering information to the public on
the Internet.
(12) Locating government information electronically
Information on a number of techniques for locating government information have been
exchanged, such as the use of GILS and GIFT by the US and Canada respectively,
mechanisms adopted by Australia, and the use of various proprietary systems available on the
web. There has not yet been agreement on topics for this subproject and no resources have
yet been identified to carry out any work.
(14) Charging for services and information
Israel has drafted a questionnaire to survey participants' intentions regarding charging for on-
line information and services. A report will be produced based on the findings.
4.4
Co-operation with other bodies
The GOL project has established contact with (and in some cases made presentations to) a
number of international organisations including the International Council for IT in Government
Administration (ICA), the Commonwealth Network of IT for Development (COMNET-IT),
the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), the OECD, the
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Global Information Infrastructure Commission (GIIC), the ace2000 Forum, OECD and the
World Bank.
The most recent development is collaboration with the independent publishers of a new
magazine, Electronic Government International, launched in September 1996. Contributions
from participants in the GOL project are published in addition to regular updates about the
project. The publication has been very well received by all participants and many other
countries. This mechanism can also be used by other G7 projects as a publicity vehicle, where
relevant.
4.5
Project Recognition
On June 12th 1996, the project co-chairs were pleased to accept a special Innovation in
Electronic Government award made to the project by the publishers of Government
Computing magazine.
4.6
Intangible benefits
In addition to the quantifiable results achieved, a number of intangible benefits have accrued to
the participants and their organisations. As a result of both the project meetings and informal
exchanges of information that have taken place in the course of the work, all participants now
have a better understanding of the reality of IT use in administrations around the world and a
number of administrations have been motivated to deploy some of the technology (such as
video conferencing) after experiencing its value during project work. Participants know that, if
they are seeking information, they have a wide network of e-mail contacts who can be
guaranteed to give a fast response to enquiries. The contacts established have resulted in a
significant support network with participants helping each other with presentations, video
conferences and general exchanges of information. Members have developed good CO-
operative relationships, a better understanding of IT developments in other countries, and
openness that is leading to a better understanding of how the developed nations can help the
developing nations through the use of IT.
5.
Challenges and solutions
As was perhaps to be expected for a project with the broad scope of GOL, progress has not
been achieved without experiencing some problems. Indeed, the project is currently facing a
number of challenges which, if not satisfactorily addressed, will prevent meeting of all the
objectives and could result in at least some of the sub-projects failing to meet their targets.
The problems have been characterised under the headings Commitment. Working Methods,
Expectations and Ambitions, Publicity and Visibility, and Funding Resourcing. These are
discussed below.
5.1
Commitment
Under the guidelines developed for managing projects, when a new sub-project is proposed,
there must be some assurance that someone is willing to lead the work and that there are at
least two administrations willing to participate. Thus, a degree of commitment is required
before a sub-project is accepted into the GOL program of work. Often, when a sub-project is
proposed, the proposer is identifying a topic on which his or her administration is already
working and on which they are willing to lead, or at least participate. In some cases the
commitment may be personal, on the part of the proposer, but in most cases the commitments
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are made (at least initially) with organisational backing. However, in the current environment
of downsizing, doing more with less, severe financial restraint, changing staff and changing
priorities, the project is finding that people are under such pressure for time and resources that
they are sometimes unable to follow through on a commitment. This means that the time-scale
for sub-project results will inevitably slip and, in the worst case, the sub-project may not
deliver the results at all.
In most cases people, having given a commitment and being interested in seeing the work
progress, are keen to follow through on that commitment even though, in some cases,
circumstances make it difficult or impossible to do so. This can lead to a situation where a
sub-project is not able to progress because of lack of resources but where people still want to
try to keep the task on the program of work. The project is then faced with a situation of
having a sub-project which is supported but not progressing and which, unless funds or
resources are found, is unlikely to progress.
The issue of both individual and organisational commitment with respect to the project is a
difficult one. While it is reasonable to assume that participating administrations have at least
some commitment to GOL and its goals, it cannot be assumed that such commitment
necessarily extends to active contribution to, or participation in, the sub-projects. The extent
to which any administration intends to contribute to a sub-project will normally be indicated
when the sub-project is initiated though, as noted above, in the current environment such
commitment can change rather suddenly.
When a sub-project is an extension of an existing in-house activity, the incremental cost (in
terms of funds or resources) of the GOL commitment is much less than if the sub-project is
only marginally-related to mainstream responsibilities. In addition, the direct return to
participating administrations from collaboration in such sub-projects can be much greater than
the immediate cost. This would indicate that the project can increase the likelihood of
sustained commitment 10 a sub-project by involving those most directly involved in directly-
related activities in their own organisations. A second factor that is at least as important in
sustaining commitment is the early production of relevant, meaningful and quantifiable results.
5.2
Working methods
The issue of working methods, and particularly how to ensure that the work progresses
between GOL meetings, is another difficult issue. GOL is not excluded from the familiar
scenario whereby participants leave a meeting with a number of action items, get back to their
offices to find a pile of more urgent tasks and then, under the pressure of organisational
priorities, are unable to address the action items until just before the next meeting. Again the
project faces the conflict between commitment to the GOL project, simply having too much to
do with the resources available, and conflicting priorities. As a matter of routine, the
secretariat can ensure that people are prompted on the action items between meetings to try to
ensure that target dates are met. But it is necessary to try to find a way of helping the project
participants follow through on action items when they suddenly find the anticipated resources
are no longer available.
Up to this point, most of the sub-projects have been proposed as initiatives that require GOL
participants to identify resources to work on the sub-project. Two other possible approaches
to sub-projects have been suggested. The first of these would have the sub-project simply
specify requirements, not actually do the work. The second approach, which has been used by
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some of the other G7 pilot projects for demonstration purposes, is to find existing
implementations or best practices and adopt those as GOL exemplary projects. (This latter
technique has also been used by some countries that have established high level strategies for
administrative renewal and then sought examples to illustrate the principles specified in the
strategies. In these cases the strategies have come from the top down but most of the
illustrative examples have been from the grass roots levels, rather than implementations that
have derived from the strategy).
In refining working methods the project needs to ensure group acceptance and understanding
of priorities since the priorities of the individual administrations are not always the same.
Participants also need to do a better job of structuring sub-projects to avoid overlap and to
define inter-project relationships. Work is currently under way to develop a taxonomy to aid in
grouping the projects and to avoid overlap. It is also expected that a recently-approved sub-
project to review and document national strategies and priorities will assist in determining
future project priorities.
5.3
Expectations
When the project was conceived, the fact that many administrations at all levels of government
were trying to achieve similar objectives was sufficient to bring people together to try to
achieve these objectives collectively. By working together it was expected that many benefits,
including expediting the overall rate of computer-based administrative renewal in the public
sector while lowering the overall cost and avoiding duplication of effort, would be achieved. It
was expected that leaders in a particular aspect of on-line government services would be able
to share their experiences and, in some cases their technology, with others. There would also
be a major opportunity for the developed nations to help the developing nations. These
objectives are still completely realisable but fulfilment of some of the objectives may be
conditional upon removing some of the constraints already mentioned.
As the project moves forward with the sub-projects it is easy to forget who the clients are in
this project. Clearly, the administrations which participate directly, and which contribute to the
project in the expectation of reaping some of the benefits, are clients as are the taxpayers
(albeit indirectly) since they will ultimately benefit from the efficiencies gained. Other
administrations, including those from the developing nations which are able to benefit from the
information made available through the project, are also clients even though they may
themselves not contribute directly. Lastly there is the G7 itself. The project was conceived
under the G7 Information Society initiative and it must be ensure that the project continues to
meet the overall objectives of that initiative (reference 7). There is a need to do more to ensure
that our clients are supportive of the objectives and that value is delivered to them.
5.4
Publicity and visibility
As noted above, the project has developed a communications strategy but it has been
suggested that the project needs to increase its level of visibility. Part of this need for visibility
relates to client recognition and deliverables (as noted above) but there is also a need to
demonstrate the tangible results of the project to a wider audience.
Currently most of the direct participants belong to national governments. From a project
management standpoint it is necessary to ensure co-ordination of national participation
through a single prime contact but the project also needs to ensure that all public sector
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agencies are aware of the project and its objectives. Up to this point it has not proved easy to
establish links to other levels of public administration. The project must be more effective in
establishing appropriate contacts at the other levels of government and public administration
(provinces/states, municipalities, public utilities, academia, etc) and in giving representatives
from these agencies the opportunity to participate in the project.
The project participants represent many different languages and cultures but the work and the
publicity material have been almost exclusively in English. While it is not believed that this is
currently a problem for the project participants, the unilingual nature of the project
information may inhibit some national participation. In order to make information widely
accessible, it is desirable that at least some of the project documents be made available in other
languages but the project itself has no resources to accomplish this.
The need for making visible project progress on a continuing basis and particularly the need to
demonstrate progress to those unable to attend the meetings or to participate directly is
recognised.
5.5
Funding/resourcing
Lastly, there is the issue of resourcing and funding which many of the above points touch on.
The G7 Information Society projects are expected to be funded from existing resources.
Clearly, in the current climate of restraint, it is not easy to identify funds or resources to
undertake the GOL sub-projects but the current lack of identified funding and resources
presents a significant problem. Some of the other G7 projects have involved commercial
organisations in their projects from the beginning and such involvement can make a big
difference to a project by making available goods and services. GOL has, to this point, avoided
any action that could be taken to imply G7 and/or GOL endorsement of any commercial
product or organisation and it is likely that the project would wish to continue to maintain a
position of strict supplier neutrality in the future.
Up to this point, all participation and activities have been funded/resourced by project
participants. Even here though there is a potential problem in that the project must try to
ensure reasonably equitable division of effort if the project is to be a collective effort, rather
than an initiative primarily resourced by one or two countries.
As noted above, experience has shown that some of the sub-projects would benefit from
additional funding or resourcing. In some cases, a relatively small contribution, such as
temporarily contracted help or the availability of a research student for a limited period, can
make a big difference to the progress of a sub-project. In other cases, it may be possible to
identify tasks that can only be done if someone is able to provide funding for consulting
services.
It is possible that some funding could be obtained from, for instance, international agencies for
tasks where the GOL sub-project objectives align with those of the agency. Both the GIIC
and World Bank have been approached but it is unlikely that they can make any major
resource commitment to the GOL project. Another possible resource is academia. There has
already been one approach from a US college that was looking for candidate projects for
graduate students to work on as term or research papers. These are avenues that need to be
further explored.
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While no specific project funding requirements have yet been identified, in addition to funding
for specific sub-project activities, the need for infra-structure support funding should be
considered. This would possibly cover publishing and promotion costs which are currently all
born by the organisations supporting the chairs and secretariat. Travel costs are also a burden
on each sponsoring organisation. While a minimum number of face-to-face meetings will
continue to be required for the project, the use of video conferencing and e-mail conferencing
can help to keep the number of meetings to an absolute minimum while still allowing the work
to progress.
Experience has shown that, in trying to achieve the project objectives, a significant effort is
devoted to exchanges of experience and the identification of best practices. This is currently
being done in a rather informal way among members, but this means that the potential benefits
of such information are not being made widely available. The availability of funds and/or
resources would enable the project to provide analysis and documentation on these
experiences and best practices for a much wider audience.
6.
Plans for the future
In general terms, the project still aims to build on the achievements to date and to deliver some
tangible results, though it is impossible to commit to exact time-scales due to the difficulty in
obtaining funding and resources. The review of sub-projects to be carried out by the CO-
chairmen will give rise to a simplified project structure and new plans. In the meantime work
on the sub-projects will continue as projected and will be subject to the regular project
management reviews conducted at meetings.
The project will continue to seek active collaboration with organisations that have similar
objectives to those of G7 GOL in an effort to pool resources and minimise duplication of
effort. The possibility of obtaining resource support and/or funding from vendor-neutral
organisations will also be investigated. Discussions have been initiated with the European
Workshop for Open Systems and some industry associations.
Information on the project and its progress will continue to be promulgated to the best extent
possible within available resources.
7.
Summary of issues
Forecast duration of project
The original proposal for this G7 project suggested the year 2000 as a possible target end
date. This has not been discussed at meetings so there is no reason to assume an earlier end
date, other than if interest and resources dwindle.
Given that the project is mainly a mechanism for exchanging information, then the project
should continue as long as participants find this useful. Ideally some best practice based on
the experience should emerge, but this is dependent on finding other resources.
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Milestones
There are 3 meetings planned for 1997: March, June/July and Oct/Nov. The sub-projects are
due to be reviewed in January by the co-chairmen with a view to putting a proposal to
participants for discussion at the March meeting.
Private sector participation
See section 2, 4.4 and 5.5.
Financing problems
See section 5.5. The most significant problem is to find the resources to work between
meetings in order to develop project deliverables. Participants in the project do not have the
time or the funding for this work. The availability of resources (or funding to procure
resources) would enable the sub-projects to make progress at a significantly greater rate and
to produce deliverables much earlier. This would greatly enhance the value of the information
exchanges currently taking place.
The co-chairmen have approached both GIIC and the World Bank for funding, but this is
unlikely to lead to significant financial contributions. We will continue to seek resource
contributions from both public and private sector organizations but we also recommend that
the G7 national co-ordinators seek central funding for the projects to back up commitment
implied through endorsement of the projects by ministers.
Participation from third countries
See section 2.
Website address
http://www.open.gov.uk/govoline/golintro.htm
CONTACT DETAILS
Michael Harrop
Ruth Kerry
Treasury Board Secretariat
Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency
300 Laurier Ave West
Rosebery Court
Ottawa
St Andrews Business Park
K1A 0R5
NORWICH
Canada
NR7 OHS
UK
tel. 1 613 957 2494
fax 1 613 957 8700
tel 44 1603 704708;
e-mail [email protected]
fax 44 1603 7045959;
videoconference 44 1603 704657 and 704721;
email [email protected]
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THE G7 PILOT PROJECT "GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FOR SMEs"
UPDATE ON THE PROJECT'S ACHIEVEMENTS.
The overall objective of the G7 Pilot Project "A Global Marketplace for SMEs" is to facilitate
increased competitiveness and participation in global trade for SMEs. It provides a coherent
operational framework and a plan of implementation for global co-ordination and co-operation
in electronic commerce, focusing at SMEs. It is co-ordinated by Japan, the United States and the
European Commission. The other G7 countries and 4 other European countries as well as the
CEEC, Korea and OECD are now involved in the project.
1. General results.
Driven by the G7 Project several meetings, workshops and conferences have been organised in
the course of 1995 and 1996 and include
7 Meetings of the Policy Group for the international co-ordination of the project, stimulating
common understanding, action at national level for exemple launch of a very large Japanese
initiative, definition of European Electronic Commerce initiative, and electronic commerce
policy definition in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy.
u Workshops. Conferences and Exhibitions were organised directly by or included direct
participation of DG III-F. A major global conference of the G7 Project will be held in Bonn,
in April 7-9, 1997.
An interservice group for G7 Project "Global Marketplace for SMEs", already established in
mid 1995 to support at the Commission level this initiative and drive the project in Europe,
meets regularly (every week).
The European National Co-ordinators Group to ensure consultation on the progress of the
project, with representatives of Italy, Germany, France, the United-Kingdom, the
Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, and Slovenia for CEEC.
A European co-ordination and co-operation structure of G7 working groups has been set up at
a launch workshop in April 1996. The participation to these working groups is open to
industry and participation of SMEs and representative organisations of SMEs has strongly
been encouraged.
Other concrete results include :
Collaboration of European Electronic Commerce Associations has been encouraged. As a
result a Europe-wide collaboration in electronic commerce, tentatively called "Electronic
Commerce Europe is scheduled to be formally launched at the Bonn Conference in April
'97.
Memorandum of Understanding on "Information Networks for SMEs Support
Organisations". This MoU developed under the ICT Round Table 10 (DG XIII) will now be
promoted internationally through the G7 Project.
Memorandum of Understanding on "Open Access to Electronic commerce for European
SMEs". This MoU addresses interoperability in electronic commerce and is an integral part
of the activities in the G7 Pilot Project "Global Marketplace for SMEs". An international
signature process is planned at the Bonn conference.
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Practical tools to support the G7 Pilot Project include the WEB Home Page, the electronic
discussion groups and the G7 Pilot Project database of persons, projects and events.
International Co-operation with Eastern and Central Europe and the Mediterranean countries:
as part of the Action plan for the Information Society in the CEEC, adopted in Prague in
September 1996, current European projects, including ESPRIT projects on electronic
commerce and G7 testbeds and projects will be extended to countries from Eastern and
Central Europe as well as Mediterranean countries.
The Luxembourg Agreement : as many of the initiatives undertaken in 1995 and 1996 under
the umbrella of the G7 Pilot Project "Global Marketplace for SMEs" showed that electronic
commerce take-up in Europe would require to be supported by some specific actions and
measures. Documents on the need for focused actions in Europe have been exchanged and
lead to a decision to define a joint action plan (Luxembourg agreement).
2. Results in the specific themes.
The main lines of action of the Pilot Project are organised around three themes : a Global
Information Network for SMEs, the business requirements of SMEs and the international
testbeds and pilot projects.
Theme 1: A Global Information Network for SMEs.
This action is providing a tool to disseminate information on the project' achievements. As a
result of current activities 8 countries and some international organisations have now set up their
home pages which are linked to the Japanese site, co-ordinator for this theme.
Theme 2: SMEs business requirements - legal, institutional and technical.
Working Groups have been working towards the definition of their specific goals and key
actions, method of work, deliverables and links to be ensured with other organisations, projects
or activities. These have been integrated in a masterplan which will be validated early next year
and implemented in 1997 & 1998.
More concretely :
Global Information Network. This group is implementing at EU level the agreements related to
the setting up and maintenance of the Web Home Pages. The Electronic Commerce Home Page
based on the Ispo server is a result of this activity. at European level.
Globalisation/identification: To establish an infrastructure of names and addresses to identify
electronic commerce users, an existing MoU will be expanded to further signatories and co-
operation with standardisation organisations ensured.
Multi-lingual and multi-cultural issues: Recently a workshop in Sevilla has been supported.
Awareness actions on the requirements generated by a global marketplace have been started and
co-operation set-up between Canada and European countries and institutions. It is expected that
an international multi-lingual electronic commerce pilot will be launched in 1997.
Deployment: Awareness actions have been started. The focus has been on the work of the
Round Table n° 10, and on a Memorandum of Understanding on "Information Networks for
SMEs Support organisations". which was announced and presented at the last EITC in
November 96.
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL III
INDUSTRY
MARIS COORDINATION
DG III/D/5 - MARITIME INDUSTRIES
MARIS
13.12.1996
1. Objective
At the G7 Conference on the Information Society in February 1995 ministers
approved 11 pilot projects to show the potential offered by Information
Technologies. The implementation of the pilot projects was encouraged by the
G7 Heads of State at their Summit in Halifax in June 1995. Progress in
implementation is reviewed regularly. The Maritime Information Society
(MARIS) is one of these 11 pilot projects. Its objective is to build a global
maritime information system by setting up specific applications and to
promote interconnectivity and interoperability, which will trigger a process of
enhanced international cooperation to create new services on a global scale.
2. Characteristics of MARIS:
a) MARIS is a framework under which four sub-projects demonstrate the
potential benefits of the information technologies and telematic
applications. They cover a broad range of maritime activities.
sub-project 1: SAFEMAR
Development of a ship reporting system for vessels resulting in the
creation of a Vessel Traffic Management and Information System
(VTMIS). Electronic chart projects and updating projects that integrate
accurate positioning and chart data are under way in a number of
countries using international standards.
sub-project 2: MARTRANS
The setting up of a Port Logistics Information Network on the movement
of cargo and vessels; tracing and tracking services for cargoes and
vessels will be developed. The provision of real-time information will
result in a more efficient management of the logistic chain.
sub-project 3: MARSOURCE
Creation of a fisheries and oceans information network with the objective
to preserve fish stocks and enhance the availability of acquaculture
products.
Rue de la Loi 200. B-1049 Bruxelles/Wetstraat 200, B-1049 Brussel Belgium.
Telephone: exchange (+32-2)299.11.11.
Telex: COMEU B 21877. Telegraphic address: COMEUR Brussels.
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sub-project 4: MARVEL
A project for intelligent manufacturing of ships. The aim is to interlink
shipyards and their suppliers in a common global network.
b) MARIS is user-driven:
Following the bottom-up approach it is industry itself which identifies its
needs and priorities with regard to information technology applications.
Administrations are only providing the framework.
c) MARIS is building on existing systems:
MARIS seeks to develop interlinks between existing systems in order to
create a global maritime network where maritime industries can
communicate with possible partners around the world. MARIS is therefore
based on existing systems. New systems will only be developed where it is
necessary for the creation of the global network.
d) MARIS is an open framework
in two senses:
- it aims to integrate all possible maritime players worldwide;
- apart from the 4 existing sub-projects other items could be envisaged
to be included like "education/training" and the subject "maritime
leisure" which is going to be discussed within the MARIS coordination
on G-7 level.
e) MARIS aims at standardisation
The promotion of inter-connectivity and inter-operability should lead at least
to common specifications on a global level.
3. Timetable
A timetable for the implementation of MARIS has been approved by the
administrations of the G7 States and was submitted in the progress report to
the Halifax summit of the G7 heads of government in June 1995:
- a stock taking exercise in 1995;
- development of prospects for further international co-operation in 1996;
- realisation of concrete results in 1997.
- presentation of results on the occasion of EXPO'98 in Lisbon.
4. Coordination/Management
The G7 pilot projects national coordinators decided in Vancouver in
November 1995 that each pilot project should be organised according to its
specific needs and that no common structure will be set up.
Regular MARIS coordination meetings on G7 level guarantee an adequate
exchange of information on specific projects.
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On a G-7 level, MARIS is structured with the EU and Canada as co-leaders
and each country having both national MARIS coordinators and subproject
contacts.
MARIS is structured on EU-level as follows:
- European Commission:
Project leaders in the DG's responsible for each sub-project have been
nominated and are operative.
- Member States:
EU Member States were asked to nominate a responsible for each sub-
project in order to allow that individual project leaders get directly into
contact.
- Industry:
An appropriate industry interface has been established for MARVEL,
MARSOURCE, MARTRANS and SAFEMAR.
It is planned to hold meetings of national coordinators on a semi annuel basis.
5. Promotion of MARIS
MARIS needs to be promoted on a greater level to guarantee the global
approach:
- A number of workshops took place in 1995 and 1996 with the aim to find
new partners for cooperation (Athens for Greece, Hamburg for
Germany, Genova for Italy, Yokohama for Japan, London for UK, Dublin
for Ireland) in order to get the maritime industry closer together and
involved in the MARIS exercise. Other seminars are envisaged for 1997,
commencing with Ottawa, Canada in February 1997.
- In the context of the enlargement of MARIS to non-G-7 countries the
following initiatives have taken place:
*
MARIS was represented at the follow-up Conference on the
Information Society in South Africa in May 1996 with the objective to
invite especially less developed countries for participation
*
a MARIS Conference took place in June in Malta for the enlargement
to the Mediterranean
*
another MARIS Conference was organised in September in Helsinki
for the Baltic Sea Region.
- It is envisaged to make information available on internet/world wide web
in 1997.
As the outcome of the Conferences and workshops, a decentralised and
regional MARIS contact point has been established in Genova for the
Mediterranean and is going to be set up in Helsinki for the Baltic Sea
Region.
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6. Participation
It was decided at the G-7 summit in Halifax in June 1995 not to restrict the
pilot projects including MARIS to G-7 countries. In order to meet the
requirements of Halifax it was agreed at a G7 - MARIS coordinators meeting
in September 1995 in Brussels to cooperate with other non G7 - EU countries
and to integrate other third countries whenever possible.
All interested maritime parties - maritime companies, ports, maritime
associations, research institutes, maritime regions - are invited to participate
in the sub-projects. Expressions of interest should be addressed to the
national contact point or to the MARIS contact in the European Commission
or in Canada (see annex).
7. Financing
There is neither a G-7 budget existing nor a budget for the creation of the
Global Information Society concept. Financial means for MARIS have to be
found in existing budget lines in Member States themselves, in G-7 countries
and on the level of other countries which want to be involved in MARIS.
Possible financial means for projects under the MARIS umbrella on European
level can be explored especially:
- 4th. R&D Framework Programme with its specific programmes, e.g.
* telematics applications,
* advanced communication technologies and services,
* information technologies,
* transport,
* marine science and technology,
* cooperation with third countries and international organizations.
- specific budget line on Information Society.
- Regional Policy Fund
- MEDAR
- PHARE/TACIS
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL III - INDUSTRY
MARIS COORDINATION
DG VII/D MARITIME TRANSPORT
MARIS - Sub project 1: SAFEMAR
13.12.1996
Description
Development of a ship reporting system to support the implementation of the
various international conventions and resolutions (Ex.: hazardous material
directive). This project will result in the creation of a Vessel Traffic Management
and Information System (VTMIS), which will also include electronic chart
frunctionalities.
Implementation/Current Status
A strategy has been developed on the EU level in a four phases approach:
- (1) preparatory phase,
- (2) start-up of projects and set-up of a management structure,
- (3) experimentation phase and integration,
- (4) demonstration phase.
The first phase ended on 31.12.1995.
Ship Reporting
As far as the ship reporting aspect of SAFEMAR is concerned, a data exchange
system based on the requirements laid down by the Council Directive 93/75/EEC
will be established by six Member States under the terms of a Memorandum of
Understanding. This will settle the basis for an information highway on maritime
safety in which the ship will be integrated. Work has already been done on the
equipment design by several countries (UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, France,
Germany). The equipment should provide functionalities which are based on
user requirements. These functionalities are: ship to ship collision avoidance for
all vessels on the high seas; vessel tracking for VTS-purposes, longrange. ship
reporting requirements, vessel location, others (e.g. local security, prevention of
piracy, etc).
The Canadian Coast Guard in partnership with the Canadian Hydrographic
Service, the shipping industry, port Authorities, Pilot Authorities and others are
commencing a CDN$ 7 million integrated Information System on Marine
Navigation project (INNAV) on the St. Lawrence River.
Electronic Chart
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted performance
standards for Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) and the
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has now finalised S-57 edition 3
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specifications which support Electronic Navigation Chart (ENC) data and
updating. These specifications were developed with input from many ECDIS
trials. What remains to be done before there is widespread adoption of ECDIS
as legally equivalent to the paper chart is for the IMO International Electro-
technical Committee (IEC) to develop technical specifications for ECDIS
systems. However, these milestone decisions provides a direction and a world-
wide framework upon which countries can base their ENC production activities
and their regulatory carriage requirements and upon which equipment
manufacturers can design ECDIS equipment. There are opportunities for
projects involving the exchange of data and testing of various updating
methodologies, among the G7 countries and with other countries.
Projects in the EU:
The European requirements and functionalities of electronic charts are being
examined in COST 326. The results will be used to assess the inclusion of
electronic charts into a comprehensive VTMIS-system and to assess the
possibilities of an international cooperation. The following is to be noted:
- State of the art and infrastructure requirement : a final report has been
produced;
- Assessment on specific user requirements : a final report has been
produced;
- Assessment on the constraints on data supply ENC production and
updating: a draft report has been produced;
- Assessment of the integration on ECDIS of information concerning a
"harbour approach system", VTS and inland waterways : a draft report has
been produced;
- Report on the requirements for a European network of national databases
is in progress;
- Report on the European user requirements and standard for training in the
use of ECDIS is in progress;
- progress is also made on the collection of results of the sea trials in the
following test beds Baltic and North Sea test beds, Electronic Chart centre
in Norway, Netherlands/UK test bed;
- progress on the implementation of the Mediterranean test beds :
agreement between Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Greece;
- the research action is identifying the common European user requirements
for the implementation of an Electronic Chart Display and Information
system, taking into account the infrastructure, ENC production, the data
supply and updating network on the different test beds and practical results
evaluated. A demonstrator on the integration of ARPA and ENC displays is
being developed.
Project proposed by Germany:
BAFEGIS (Baltic Sea Ferry Guidance and Information System): Sweden and
Germany have agreed on a joint demonstration project based on the latest
marine telematics technology, e.g. Transponders and Electronic Charts, to
enhance ferry safety. The project involves two Swedish and two German ferries
commuting between the ports of Warnemünde (Germany) and Trelleborg
(Sweden). The objectives of the project are: improving safety on board Γo-Γo
passenger ferries; monitoring the journey of ro-ro passenger ferries from the
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shore; supporting these vessels by means of a nautical-hydrographic forecast
information and immediately initiating the required rescue measures in cases of
emergency.
Projects from Canada:
- Between 1991 and 1996 Canada conducted a long term Electronic Chart
Pilot Project that involved installing ECDIS systems on 49 ships of various
types including tankers, ferries, bulk carriers, fisheries patrol, coast guard
ships and cruise liners and at 4 marine training institutes .
The project resulted in 14000 days at sea using ECDIS, 500 new users
being trained and using ECDIS, and 360 ENC produced.
In parallel Canada led the international work on colours and symbols for
ECDIS display and was active in the development of the feature object
catalogue.
This work resulted in input that influenced standards that have been
developed and upon which future projects can be based.
Canada is currently active in ECDIS backup and updating trials on he St.
Lawrence River and in 1997 Canada will introduce a commercial service that
support S-57 ENC and dockside ENC updating, initially on the St. Lawrence
River between Quebec and Montreal, and expand eastward and westward
from this area during 1997.
There are opportunities to include vessels operating between Europe and
Canada in ENC data exchange and updating development projects as well
as projects involving water level forecasts and the use of real-time water
level information to maximize draft.
- INNAV project: this project includes the AIS project but in a longer term
INNAV will also deal with cargo and other vessel information about routing
etc. Initially it is focusing on Vessel Traffic control information, the
communication, data base storage and display of the information.
- AIS project: this project incorporates Automatic Information Systems (AIS),
sometimes called Automated Surveillance Systems, which provide ship-to-
shore and ship-to-ship position information and electronic chart-type displays
and vessel traffic management functions.
While the USA has not directly expressed an interest in the G-7 Electronic
Charting Projects Canada has been participating with the USA on Electronic
Charting Projects including a hybred electronic chart project as a part of the San
Francisco Bay project.
Contact points in the European Commission, DG VII
Mr. Wilhelmus A.G. BLONK- tel. + 32-2-2968455 assisted by
Mr. Karel VANROYE tel. +32-2-2963245 - Fax 32-2-2968356.
Contact points in Canada:
Mr. Richard MacDougall - tel. + 1-613-995-4554
Mr. Michael Casey - tel. + 1-613-995-4405
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL III - INDUSTRY
MARIS COORDINATION
*
DG VII/D - MARITIME TRANSPORT
MARIS - - Sub - project 2: MARTRANS
13.12.1996
Description
Set up of a Port Logistics Information network for providing real-time information
including tracing and tracking services on the movement of cargo and vessels.
The provision of real-time information will result in a more efficient management
of the logistics chain. Moreover, the attractiveness of maritime transport for
shippers and forwarders will be enhanced.
Implementation/Current Status
Situation in the EU:
Three different preparatory projects have been completed:
- LOCALE: This project is carried out by a consortium of ISL (Germany), SET
(Italy), CNS (UK) and CCS (Ireland). It aims at looking at the feasibility for a
generic interface allowing EDP-systems to have EDI-functionality.
- EDI Task Force and Infobase: This project carried out by Eurotransportnet
(an interest group of 6 different port community systems), the port of
Marseilles (France) and SET (Italy) are examining the feasibility of creating
on a permanent basis an EDI Task Force which would help SME's
implementing EDI. Moreover, the project also considers the development of
an infobase of maritime EDI-services.
- Sectoral benefits of EDI: At present, the benefits of EDI are only known on a
single company basis. However, the benefits of EDI for a sector or for a
logistics chain are not yet sufficiently analyzed. The Erasmus University (the
Netherlands) is doing research on these wider benefits.
- A fourth project port MODALE (MODULAR APPLICATIONS for low cost
EDI) is being examined.
A video demonstration showing the potential and the benefits of MARTRANS
has been developed.
- A workshop for the Mediterranean was organised on 08./09.02.1996 in
Marseilles. More than 100 participants participated. Modalities for
cooperation between EU-ports and ports of Mediterranean Third Countries
were examined. Tunisian participation is concretely being envisaged.
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- The second call for proposals of the 4th FP of the specific Transport
Programme which contains a specific MARTRANS slot, was closed on
15.03.1996. One proposal was successful. A comprehensive MARTRANS-
project will start in the first quarter of 1997.
- A call for tender has also been made for the design of a modular and
scaleable EDI-system. This project will also start in the beginning of 1997.
Projects/proposals presented by Germany:
- DELCOM (Delivery Communication System): The DELCom proposal is
aiming at the development of a system architecture providing
interconnectivity and interoperability for the planning and control along
intermodal transport chains including the waterborne mode. It is based on
the BOBCom system architecture. BOBCom, the Baltic Open Port
Communication System, an ongoing EU R&D project, is establishing a
system architecture supporting interconnectivity in and between ports and
between ports and hinterland transports, especially regarding the
requirements of small and medium sized enterprises and prots.
- Information Network for Global Distribution of Automobiles: Comprehensive
Information Highway from the Car Manufacturer's Premises to the
Customer. The proposed project is to integrate planing procedures and
control of intermodal transport into the logistics of procurement and
distribution of car industry and trade. It will be based on the architecture of
the BOBCom project.
Projects in Canada:
- Container Cargo Tracking Project - options for tracking containers
- The Canadian Centre for Marine Communications in St. John's has two
projects underway. One $2.5 million program involves Marine Geomatics -
and is broad enough to cover projects related to the acquisition, processing
and management of data and data products that describe the marine
environment. This program could include such diverse projects as wind and
sea state conditions, sea ice information, vessel traffic monitoring, oil spill
tracking, fish stock assessment and fish stock movement. A key
component is the integration and graphic display of the information.
Their second project involves the concept of extending the information
highway offshore and creating an information seaway. This also has much
potential for MARIS because it is expected that there will be a virtual
explosion in the use of satellite communication in the marine industry and
with the need to receive and transmit chart information, safety information,
AIS and Vessel Traffic Information, ship status information, routing /
scheduling information, cargo information and other data. There will also be
a need for complex shipboard communication interfaces and the goal of
this $3 million project is to make the routing of the data as transparent to
the mariner as the routing of a telephone message is to a user.
- Canadian companies, with expertise in telecommunications, are also
involved in projects such as the standard ship safety record, shipboard
platform and accessible distributed data base project. This $4 million
project, which is funded by the US government under the ARPA
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MARITECH program, has a goal of developing a standard ship safety
record which would record information now found on "notice of arrival"
reports as well as vessel certificate information, inspection histories, non-
compliance records, crew information, maintenance records and similar
data. This will allow Flag and Port States to identify vessels who do not
comply and assign inspection resources accordingly.
To support this, a remotely accessible integrated Shipboard information
technology platform is required. This platform incorporates a distributed
local area network integrating shipboard sub-systems and uses wireless
telecommunications to connect to shore based systems. This system will
be available early in 1997 for installation on a tanker for a follow-on ARPA
project.
Project in Japan:
Maritime Information Gateway Server & Networking in terms of the Contents
"Maritime Intranet": The project aims to contribute to the formation of advanced
maritime information society by establishing seemless global communications
between ships and onshore with joint participation by government and private
organizations as an experimental international project.
The project realizes an infrastructure for advanced information communications
systems which is totally open and highly extensive without influenced by type of
users, hardwares and software. This project contributes to preservation of
marine environment, safety and efficiency of maritime operations by supporting
the users' decision making. The project is supposed to be finished by the end
of 1998 and is open for the cooperation with maritime industries in other
countries.
Contact points in the European Commission, DG VII
Mr. Wilhelmus A.G. BLONK - tel. + 32-2-2968455 assisted by
Mr. Karel VANROYE - tel. +32-2-2963245 Fax 32-2-2968356.
Contact point in Canada:
Mr. Richard Mac Dougall - tel.: +1-613-995-4554
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL III - INDUSTRY
MARIS COORDINATION
DG XIV/D STRUCTURES AND AREAS
DEPENDENT ON FISHERIES
MARIS - Sub project 3 : MARSOURCE
13.12.1996
Description
Creation of a fisheries and oceans information network linking existing data
bases containing information on fisheries, oceanography and scientific research.
Aim:
- improved preservation of fish stocks,
- adaptation of both fishing capacities to available resources and of production
of fishery and aquaculture products to the needs of the market.
The project envisages in addition to improve the transparency in the fisheries
sector at world level to the benefit of all public bodies and private operators
concerned.
Implementation/Current Status
Situation in the EU:
The Directorate General for Fisheries of the European Commission is
developing the MARSOURCE initiative by involving the use of external
Webserver presenting European related fisheries and ocean information. The
project will be operational in the first half year of 1997. In the initial phase
continously updated data on the following will be provided via Internet:
resources, markets, trade, fleet, aquaculture and research. Furthermore, the
project will also refer to, amongst others, the servers of other international
organisations and of Member States or regions concerned with fisheries. The
system will work as an umbrella thereby giving an impetus to enterprises in the
fishing sector to use telecommunication systems for sharing information about
fisheries in different areas. The European Commission is financing this project.
First preliminary discussions concerning a possible participation of non EU
countries (e.g. of Japan and the United States) were launched. A basic
agreement with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
on a participation was relaised. In several workshops the MARSOURCE
initiative was presented to the fishing industry and various bodies of Member
States and third countries.
Furthermore, the European Commission has promoted the use of electronic
trade systems in the fishery sectors. Several projects on the level of member
States of the EU were developed. A link to the MARSOURCE project of the
European Commission could possibly be established at a later stage.
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The MARSOURCE initiative and the advantages of electronic trade systems in
fisheries will be presented by a video which will be produced in the beginning of
1997.
Situation in Canada:
Canada has established a National Hydroacoustic Program, with a goal of
improving the measurement and estimation of fish stocks through the use of
hydroacoustics. This goal is pursued through seven inter-related projects.
These projects work together to advance the technology, leverage and
coordinate national and international resources, and create an open forum for
communication and discussion regarding the sustainable development of the
world's marine resources. In all cases, the project teams work extensively with
Canadian industry and universities and with experts in other countries, and
actively seek additional partners.
Following is a brief description of each of the seven projects.
- Survey Design Project: This project evaluates various ways to use trawl and
acoustic platforms - separately and together - to generate the most accurate
data on fish abundance and distribution. Results to date indicate a strong
correlation between trawl and acoustic data. They also reveal that platform
characteristics are an important consideration.
- Data Analysis Tool: Hydroacoustic data is currently available from several
sources in various formats designed for a range of uses. This project will
develop a common, versatile, open data analysis tool able to handle diverse
acoustic information from the initial databases to the final production of fish
biomass estimates. The team is developing a standard format to be
implemented by leading industry equipment manufacturers. Once the
standard format has been decided, new information will be acquired under
this standard and, when necessary, old sets will be translated into the new
format.
- Species Identification Program (SIP): Developing the capability to identify
individual species and size distribution in multi-species aggregations by the
acoustic signals they return is a significant technological challenge. The fact
that fish schools are in constant motion and that vessel avoidance
compounds this movement makes the challenge even more demanding.
Overcoming these obstacles is the task of the SIP team. The team is
currently moving the project from empirical analysis to theoretically defined
quantified analysis. The work being done by the SIP team is moving the
program to the forefront of species identification and classification.
- New Technologies: This project has two components. The first involves
determining if a bottom-mounted sonar can effectively monitor fish-school
echoes out to 20 kilometres. Scientists know that sonar can detect fish from
distances of several kilometres but, due to factors such as vessel avoidance,
current methods using standard sonars severely undersample fish stocks.
The second component addresses the challenge of using sonar to map fish
stocks in near-shore water. The test involves short-range, high-frequency
sonar to image herring on the east coast in waters 3 to 4 metres in depth.
The team works closely with local fishers in developing the project and
collecting the data. In both parts of the project, companies are developing
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the necessary fixed acoustic systems and this equipment will be deployed at
selected sites for evaluation. The project addresses the temporal and spatial
aspects of moving versus bottom- mounted equipment, and also takes into
consideration the seasonal movement of fish schools.
- Fishing Industry Collaboration: This project capitalizes on a strong team
approach between DFO and fishers. In this important collaborative effort,
fishers are using their own vessels in their day-to-day operations and DFO-
supplied equipment to collect data that fisheries managers will use to
estimate stock size and biomass. The Chaleur Bay herring fleet on the east
coast is the first to participate. The project team hopes to develop similar
partnerships in other Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic fisheries.
- International Collaboration and Leverage: This project has the critical job of
developing international partnerships. Partnerships are crucial to collecting
data, advancing the technology, formulating national and international
solutions, and garnering the human and financial resources necessary to
build on each others' successes. The team is establishing a hydroacoustics
network of interested parties which will allow researchers to assess
opportunities and develop matches between Canadian and international
activities for the development of projects and scientific cooperation.
- Training and Communication: This team informs partners, colleagues,
government departments and others about the National Hydroacoustics
Program through printed matter, video and electronic means of
communication. It also provides training for clients, partners and others
through a hydroacoustics course that is delivered not only in conventional
classrooms but also in a distributed delivery format. Utilization of the
Internet is being incorporated to provide instant access to all projects and as
a discussion and information dissemination forum for other researchers and
the public.
Status
On a international forum the Hydroacoustics program project on Data Analysis
Tool has received recognition by the ICES Working Group at their April 1996
meeting at the Woods Hole Institute in the United States.
In addition in co-ordination with OECD this program is collaboratively
participating with EU members. The IEA Executive Committee has held 2
meetings in 1996 one in Paris, France in February and the second in St.
John's, Newfoundland in August. This initiative is establishing a program
addressing research which recognises that energy efficiency in fish harvesting
operation is of vital importance to sustainable and economically viable fisheries
on a global scale.
Contact points in the European Commission, DG XIV:
Mr. Emilio MASTRACCHIO - tel. +32-2-2955568 assisted by
Mr. Albert HÜCHTKER - tel. + 32.2.2957480 - fax: 32.2.2953033.
Contact point in Canada:
Mr. Richard MacDougall - tel.: + 1-613-995-4554
Mr. Dr. William Doubleday - tel.: +1-613-990-0271
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL III - INDUSTRY
MARIS COORDINATION
*
DG III/D/5 - MARITIME INDUSTRIES
MARIS - Sub - project 4: MARVEL
13.12.1996
Description
MARVEL represents a user oriented project for intelligent manufacturing of
ships. It will create new global information highways for maritime data used in
the shipmanufacturing process interlinking shipyards and their main partners
(e.g.: suppliers, classification societies, shipowners, research institutes) in a
common global network. MARVEL builds on existing Information Technology
based systems already applied in the shipbuilding industry und tries to
interconnect them on a global level into a "virtual enterprise". It will make trans-
national and intercontinental connection easier in an environment where there is
increased out-sourcing of manufacturing processes, work sharing between
different producers and reliance on world-wide equipment supply.
The use of information systems will enable shipyards being more flexible when
making offers and even for new types of ships. They could better take into
account customer needs and would be more precise with regard to design, price
and delivery. This could attract new customer groups which are at present using
more traditional transport means.
Implementation / Current Status
Situation on EU level:
In a first stage terms of reference had been worked out in cooperation with
industry.
Detailed specifications of user requirements for Information Technologies are
now going to be developed by the maritime industries involved in separate
projects. It will be ensured that projects are in principle open to others and that
results lead to common application standards.
In a further step application examples will be established to test and
demonstrate the concepts.
Industry in the EU created already three consortia:
MARVEL OUS (Maritime Virtual Enterprise Linkages - Open User
Syndicate; approved under the ESPRIT programme of the EU) as a kind of
umbrella consortium is a User Group Reference Project focussed on the
specification and harmonization of end-user needs for advanced
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information and communication technology. This will be achieved by the
analysis of relevant company internal and external process chains and a
respective evaluation of implemented, available and developing IT and CT
technologies. The outcome will trigger standardization and an increasing
use of available technology. The project will further encourage new R&D
activities for the needs of the maritime industry.
Special Interest Groups (SIG's), established in the framework of the
MARVEL OUS project for relevant technical topics, will ensure the
distribution and discussion of project results achieved beyond teh original
project consortia. Global discussions and cooperation in this context are
anticipated to achieve better coordination of parallel activities.
The objective of the SEASPRITE project - approved under the ESPRIT
programme of the EU is to create, implement, test and evaluate an
architecture to enable the management, monitoring and transfer of ship hull
data throughout the ship life cycle; from e.g. tendering, initial conceptual
design, plan appraisal, stability and loading analysis, detailed design,
production, operation and repair. The data to be managed will include the
hull definition, steel structure, internal arrangements and
compartmentation, space usage, loading, and hull structural survey results.
This product data will be supported by data representing work flow, quality
and project information. SEASPRITE will demonstrate its application in a
number of business scenarios.
The goal of EDIMAR - under consideration within the ESPRIT programme
of the EU - is to create, implement, test and evaluate an EDI based
communication infrastructure between the various partners involved in the
ship production process. The infrastructure is to automate ordering,
delivery, invoiving and payment process of ship mechanical systems and
equipment as well as for supporting the design refinement process which is
a intermediary activity between ordering and delivery for such make to
order products.
A MARVEL video has been produced in the meantime.
In a seminar on electronic communication in shipbuilding organised by the US
Office of Naval Research in London in October 1996 a number of similarities
could be identified between European and American projects. It was agreed to
help bringing together both industries to create joint consortia.
Situation in the US:
US projects within the MARITECH programme with relations to the MARVEL
project:
- Integrated Product and Process Data Environment to Revolutionize Ship
Design and Bid Process: Objective = establish the electronic information
framework for dispersed organisations to collaborate and respond rapidly to
customer inquiries with competitive bids (cost and schedule); facilitate
cooperative virtual enterprises.
- National Shipbuilding Information Infrastructure to Support Ship
Construction: Objective = reduce ship construction time and cost by
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developing a shiyard-wide electronic information framework and refining
operations to optimize its use
- STEP-Ship Product Model: Objective = exchange product model data easily,
quickly, cost-effectively and reliably between different shipbuilding
information systems without loss of intelligence; acceptable international
standard for exchanging product models
- Digital Product Catalogs: Objective = develop a nationally agreed-upon
method for suppliers to provide electronically formatted product data to
shipbuilders; facilitate shipyard and supplier relations and accelerate the
Design Process
- Ship Life-cycle Suppport Information Infrastructure: Objective = develop an
information infrastructure that permits shipyards and ship owners/operators
to monitor ship performance continously; benefit owners/operators and offer
post-delivery revenue for shipbuilders.
Contact points in the European Commission, DG III:
Mr. Helmut Schmitt von Sydow - tel. +32.2.2954256 assisted by
Mr. Constantin Andropoulos - tel. +32.2.2956601
Mr. Dirk Petrat - tel. +32-2-2994129 - Fax 32-2-2967014.