Interoperability+and+SIF

The interoperability of software applications is essential when considering software purchases. Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) is a data-sharing specification that enables diverse applications to interact and share data seamlessly. The main focus has been in the United States, but active work has occurred in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other places. SIF comprises two parts: an XML (extensible markup language) specification for modeling educational data and an SOA (service oriented architecture) specification for sharing that data between institutions. SIF is maintained by the Schools Interoperability Framework Association (SIFA). Virginia has adopted the SIF Specification as a standard for statewide system interoperability. The SIFA is a unique, nonprofit collaboration composed of more than 550 schools, districts, states, the U.S. Department of Education, international government agencies, software vendors, and consultants who collectively define the rules and regulations for educational software data interoperability. The SIF Specification enables diverse applications to interact and share data efficiently, reliably, and securely, regardless of the platform hosting those applications. Currently, more than 90 SIF-Certified software applications are available, ranging from student information systems and grade book applications to library and transportation software. For more information on SIF, visit http://www.sifinfo.org. Divisions are encouraged to consider purchasing SIF-Certified products to meet their interoperability needs.