Nice to see ...

... NY - Alert now has XML/RSS feeds. 

Hopefully this will start a trend for all New York Political Subdivisions and other public entities (federal, state and local) as we stated in previous posts on this site.

Let's hope this is the beginning of an integrated communications platform.

New York State XML Update? New York 3.0?

I was looking at the New York State OFT website, queried XML and came up with this. Here's what NYSTAR has been up to with XML.

It looks a little restrictive as to what's allowable if, in fact, the RFP process was ever completed.

It would probably be in the state's best interests to take a broader view toward xml standards and open data standards in general for all New York State agencies and authorities and all New York State political subdivisions.

Just as we're proposing a Long Island 3.0 approach to public policy solutions, perhaps New York should take a similar approach as well.

Open architecture, multiple platforms, multiple API. The more businesses we can interest in developing products for New York, the better it is for the New York economy.

The state (and/or Long Island) should lead the way in promoting creative thinking and innovative products and should, in essence, be a laboratory for their implementation.

Connect the dots ...

"The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them." Albert Einstein

Excellent project by Congressman Israel.

Will his project work in a coordinated way with this excellent project from Senator Skelos?

And with these as well?

The Long Island 3.0 project we are proposing could be the "glue" that coordinates these and other projects.

More good ideas ...

Congressman Bishop has a good idea for issuing public alerts in the event of an unhealthy sewer treatment plant discharge.

All we need to do is add this to the selectable XML Public Alert Feed lists we talked about earlier and this project will have a simple resolution.

When we get the details regarding Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security Mike Balboni's NYS alert project we will attempt to integrate our ideas with his if necessary.

Congressman Bishop's idea and Senator Skelos' Campus Alert idea really all should be interconnected with Mr. Balboni's idea (or vice versa) and other ideas that may be feasible.

As we've said previously, all alert projects (and general public information as well) must, at a minimum, be based on an open architecture with multiple API and available on multiple platforms.

XML for the New York State Unified Court System?

Here are some examples of court systems and related sites utilizing XML/RSS technology to make information concerning the court system more accessible to attorneys and the public. The NYS Justice Courts seem to be off to a good start and heading in the right direction.

Utah State Courts

West Virginia Supreme Court

The Philadelphia Courts

Maryland Judiciary

St. Louis Circuit Court

New Mexico District Court

xmlLegal

Oasis

XML and related technology should speed up the transmission of information in the NYS Courts just as it has in other disciplines.

It would also position the courts for greater participation in Web 2.0 and emerging Web 3.0 technologies and allow for greater interaction between all parties in all aspects of court administration.

These are the only New York State RSS/XML feeds I've been able to locate so far for all agencies including what it says is the Unified Court System but actually appears to be the Justice Court feed. Please let me know if you locate any other feeds. Also NYSTAR has a feed.

All of this, of course, needs to be standardized in a simple, flexible manner and spread to all state agencies, authorities etc. and to all political subdivisions of New York State.

More old stuff...

I was clearing out some old files and I came across this chart.

It represents how autonomous or related entities (organizational, conceptual, advocacy based etc.) can maintain their autonomy and identity while cooperating and interacting with the larger world through the utilization of XML technology.

Just one part of the puzzle.

XML Feed Lists for Public Information and Alerts

In previous posts we've talked about the need to have all public information (or, at a minimum, public alerts) available through XML/RSS technology.

We've also explored the need to make all public information available through multiple platforms and on a variety of devices.

Of course we can not force individuals to receive information they don't want to receive. However, at a minimum, there should be a list of XML Alert feeds available, simple instructions on how to use them and accessibility to free devices for those few who do not already have the ability to receive the information.

Alerts should be available from, among others, all governmental agencies, schools, law enforcement agencies, first responders, health agencies, amber alerts and sex offender registries. Furthermore all media should voluntarily conform to a uniform standard with government as one of the methods they use to distribute emergency information.

XML/RSS notification is not the total answer to notifying the public, but it is an effective, low cost solution to granting easy access to important information for public consumption.

Additionally, XML/RSS enabled information will fit very well into the Long Island 3.0 concept, the Long Island Meta-Portal concept and all the other ideas we've explored over the past few months in an effort to create a more coordinated flow of information and enable better public policy as a result of our efforts.

Using a Common Language to Promote Effective Solutions

You may have noticed a small orange box with the letters XML or RSS appearing with greater frequency on your favorite websites.

XML (Extensible Markup Language) or RSS (Version 2.0/Real Simple Syndication) allows a website to automatically send information to you as soon as the website is updated. It eliminates the need for you to continually check your favorite websites for new information.

Although XML/RSS has been available for some time now, it has now become a mature and easily implemented technology. Now is a perfect time for legislation requiring that New York State and all political subdivisions in New York State make available, at a minimum, emergency information via XML/RSS and to assist organizations working for the public good such as Parents for Megan’s Law, Island Harvest, Long Island Index and many others in upgrading their websites to include XML/RSS.

Some of the benefits to implementing XML/RSS include: 1. Low cost to install, 2. Easy to implement, flexible standard, 3. Facilitates information sharing and distribution, 4. Allows greater public access while maintaining necessary security, 5. Assists in the distribution of Amber Alerts, Megan’s Law Alerts, Homeland Security information, weather alerts, school closings, etc., 6. Will make NYS a leader in the field, 7. Will assist in helping NYS affiliate agencies and community organizations in developing a uniform, coordinated communication standard, 8. Uses the existing public internet, more secure that e-mail; not subject to spammers, 9. Can be easily be linked to other forms of communication including mobile communication devices and software, 10. Great availability of free software to read XML/RSS information; some even allow the user to set their own alerts, 11. Can be adopted as part of a state and national standard for emergency communication.

While this list is by no means complete, it will give you some idea of why it is important to adopt XML/RSS as a New York State standard and as part of an overall strategy for the distribution of important public information.

Most importantly, it will give government, community organizations and the general public the ability to communicate utilizing a "common language," which is a reasonable first step in formulating a sustainable interchange of ideas and concepts which lead to positive action.

Information changes quickly. It must be organized, analyzed and be made available to those in decision making positions to be of real value. XML based data will ensure all parties speak the same "language" and that they proceed from the same set of assumptions.

XML based data utilizing shared analytical tools on a common platform will lead to quicker, more accurate decision making and greater clarity of thought in arriving at decisions which impact the public. Additionally, it will foster better inter-governmental cooperation and, where appropriate, governmental consolidation and the elimination of duplicative services.

Static reports and periodic conferences are important tools, but they do not create the dynamic interchange of information needed to effect lasting, positive improvement. XML based information will lead to virtual real time analysis of issues and information and will encourage greater participation by all segments the public, including the business and non-profit sectors.

Greater diversity of thought with a willingness towards reasonable compromise utilizing shared dynamic and relevent information should produce a better public environment on all levels.

With minor expense to the State and some additional public education all the benefits of XML/RSS, important public information will be available to everyone in a timely and effective manner.

First published March 2006.

For additional information on XML/RSS please go to: http://www.mnot.net/rss/tutorial/, http://xml.gov/, http://www.firstgov.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf/Libraries/RSS_Library.shtml, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/05/technology/techspecial4/05lego.html?pagewanted=2 ,http://www.search.state.ny.us/search?sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=oft_frontend&proxystylesheet=oft_frontend&site=oft_public_collection&q=xmlAL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client=oft_frontend&proxystylesheet=oft_frontend&site=oft_public_collection&q=xml