This Network Update was distributed via the Exchange Network email alerts list on August 23, 2005.

The Data Exchange Design Guidance and Best Practices document has just been released and is now available for download on the Exchange Network website (http://www.exchangenetwork.net). This document is divided into two major sections: Exchange Design Guidance and Data Exchange Design Best Practices. The first section describes the process of designing a data exchange from inception to completion and is oriented toward both technical and business experts. It provides information to help project members understand the data exchange design process and avoid common pitfalls.

The second section, Data Exchange Design Best Practices, addresses technical topics which will be of most use to technical architects, analysts, programmers and exchange implementers. In addition, the appendices provide additional background information on common exchange models, scenarios and design patterns.

We hope this guide will help future data exchange designers learn from the experiences, problems and solutions of the early data exchange implementations.