This Network Update was distributed via the Exchange Network email alerts list on April 3, 2007.

NTG Evaluating Possible Technological Changes to the Current Node Specification

The functional specification for Exchange Network Nodes has been in operation since 2002. During that time, it has been remarkably stable and continues to effectively meet the needs of Network partners. However, some of the technologies used by Nodes have been upgraded or are being replaced. Decreasing vendor support for these technologies will likely result in an increase in ongoing maintenance and operational costs. For these reasons, the governance of the Exchange Network is considering a realignment of the Node specification with current technology standards.

In late 2006, the Network Technology Group (NTG) formed a Node 2.0 Task Force to evaluate current Node operations and make recommendations on the need to update the specification. The goal is to review and evaluate new opportunities for the continued operation of Nodes and exchanges. The process consists of:

• Reviewing current documentation;
• Assessing current technology versus new available technology;
• Building test Nodes to assess operational and interoperability issues, and;
• Providing a recommendation to the governing bodies of the Exchange Network.

The Task Force expects to complete its work and provide recommendations to the Exchange Network Governance for consideration by mid to late summer. Recommendations from the task force will be vetted with the Exchange Network community and carefully reviewed to determine if:

• Improvements are commensurate with the cost of making the change;
• Stability and interoperability can be maintained;
• Impacts across the entire Exchange Network have been taken into account;
• Proposed changes can be as transparent as possible to the partners;
  Associated costs, dependencies, and transition plan requirements are relevant to the mission and goals of the Exchange Network, and;
• Long term advantages outweigh short term costs.

When an updated specification is ready, the Network governance will work with the Exchange Network community to define a clear migration path to make any transition as smooth as possible. The April Exchange Network National Meeting (http://www.exchangenetwork.net/2007Meeting) will be one opportunity to get more information and ask questions of the Node 2.0 Task Force. Materials distributed or presented at this meeting will be also be made available on the above web page after the meeting. If you have additional questions, please contact the NTG co-chairs, Connie Dwyer (Dwyer.Connie@epamail.epa.gov) and Scott Totten (scott.totten@dnr.mo.gov).