Release

Media Advisory: Five New York State Agencies Present Results from UAlbany's Center for Technology in Government's XML Testbed

Contact: Alison Heaphy (518) 442-4598

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 24, 2006)

What:
The morning presentation is the culmination of the participation by five New York State agencies in CTG's XML Testbed. It is an opportunity to learn how government agencies can gain from the management and productivity benefits of XML technology and its associated business strategies and to hear from one of the top experts in this emerging field of technology.

When:
January 25, 2006; 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Who:

• Derek Werthmuller, director of technology, Center for Technology in Government
  
  
• Tim Bray, director of Web technologies, Sun Microsystems
  
  
• New York State Department of Civil Service
  
  
• New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal
  
  
• New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
  
  
• New York State Office of Cultural Education, State Education Department
  
  
• New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

Where:
New York State Nurses Association Conference Center, 11 Cornell Road, Latham, New York.

Background:
In the summer of 2005, five New York State agencies were selected to take part in CTG's XML Testbed to examine the benefits as well as the challenges of Web site management using XML technology. The agency teams underwent intensive hands-on training and workshops, which led to and XML-based Web site prototype and a business case analysis for each agency. Over the course of the Testbed, the agencies learned the value of creating a single source, open standard document to achieve streamlined workflow processes, content consistency and reusability, and multichannel publishing.

XML is an emerging technology that is generally understood as one which supports effective data exchange between applications. However, XML has another value that is much less exploited or understood - it offers a viable long-term solution to many of the shortcomings of HTML because it structures and describes Web content in a meaningful way. As a technical strategy for managing Web sites, XML and associated organizational strategies offer management and productivity benefits, content consistency, and accessibility enhancements. While many businesses are starting to take advantage of the significant technical and business benefits of using XML for content management, CTG's Testbed is the first to examine how government agencies can experience similar business improvements and competitive advantages.

Read more information on the XML Testbed Project.

The Center for Technology in Government is an applied research center devoted to improving government and public services through policy, management, and technology innovation. The Center located at the University at Albany, works with government to develop well-informed information strategies that foster innovation and enhances the quality and coordination of public services. For more information visit www.ctg.albany.edu.