This page reports on progress being made within the current STNE Work Programme, and related projects, all of which are supported by the Interchange of Data between Administrations (IDA) Programme. The state of progress reported here is valid as of July 1997.
European Reference Environment and DSIS Metadata
The Dissemination Environment: Multimedia and information highways
Exchange of Statistical Data Using EDI
Integration with Trans-European Telematic Networks
European Reference Environment (ERE) and access to reference data: A sample Migration Plan has been included in the ERE Technical Specification. DSIS organisations have been advised to use this as a basis for development of their own individual migration plans.
In March 1997, Eurostat and the European Monetary Institute (EMI) embarked on a project to achieve operational implementation of statistical data exchanges; the first phase to be completed by June 1998. The project plan and the Specification of Data Exchange Requirements have been accepted. GESMES profiles and a communications architecture will be specified, agreed and integrated. Trial Scenarios are currently being planned.
The exchange of statistical information between Eurostat units and the EMI will play a critical role in the move to Stage Three of European Monetary Union and the change over to the single currency. There is close synergy with the EMI's E9 project, which is concerned with the exchange of data between EMI, European institutions and National Central Banks. The European Central Bank (ECB) will supersede the EMI at the implementation of Stage 3 of Economic and Monetary Union. This project begins to put in place the European Reference Environment and aims to achieve coherence between the statistical services at Eurostat and at the EMI.
DSIS Metadata Services: A trial plan for the Master Metadata Service (MMS) has been produced and it is planned to start trials with several Member States and Eurostat in Autumn 1997. One of the phases of the trial will be concerned with presenting DSIS metadata for visualisation via the DSIS Information Resource Centre. The MMS will be demonstrated at the STNE WG meeting n°7 in October 1997 and at the Metadata Task Force meeting in November 1997 The MMS provides the support platform for metadata harmonisation.
Metadata Task Force (MDTF): In 1997, meetings 10 (February), 11 (April), and 12 (June) have been held and were attended by Eurostat, National Representatives and observers. Discussion concentrated on the future development and enhancement of the Master Metadata Service with particular regard to the recording of information about ERE data sets and the links between statistical concepts referred to by them and harmonised DSIS metadata. The Metadata Task Force has provided considerable input into trial plans for the MMS and ERE. The 13th meeting will be held in November 1997.
Study on the Management of Internationally Used Classifications: A Pre-analysis report describing the current situation, problems and constraints, was finalised in January 1997. The draft reference paper, designed to raise awareness of the problems of classification management in the international statistical community and to put forward suggestions for achieving improvement, was first issued for comment in November 1996 and finalised in February 1997.
The conclusions of the draft reference paper were that there is a need for automation of the exchange of classification information, and that the information needs to be readily available. There must also be a definitive central source of information on existing classifications and where they can be consulted. The responsibility for the maintenance of classifications will continue to be shared between different national and international organisations, but a co-ordination mechanism at the European level is needed. The paper also suggests a number of possible scenarios for further study and trials. Expected benefits include improved visibility and access for all users, interoperability of different systems, automated exchanges and dissemination, control of change repercussions and the ability to contain growing workloads without increased resources.
As part of the awareness activities, the findings have been presented to the STNE Working Group and the CPA / NACE Classification Committee. Feedback on the proposals and the choice of scenarios has been received from Member States and from within Eurostat, and is being taken into account in the remaining stages of the study, the overall aim being to reach agreement on the nature and extent of the problems of classification management and on a strategy for achieving improvement.
Attention is now being focused on the definition of trials designed
to support the feasibility of the solutions proposed in the report,
measure the readiness of selected DSIS organisations for such
solutions and measure the impact of the proposed approach. The
final recommendations for improving the present situation from
the European perspective will be based on the findings and agreements
reached in the preceding phases of the study.
To be validated.
To be validated.