Release

UAlbany's Center for Technology in Government Unveils Online XML Toolkit for Government Agencies

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 19, 2006) -- The University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government (CTG) has announced the release of the first version of its online XML Toolkit. The Toolkit is a product of the Center's XML Testbed, which serves to assist New York State agencies in examining the benefits and challenges of Web site management using the emerging technology of XML.

"The Toolkit is a resource for any government agency that is considering XML as a tool for Web site management," said Derek Werthmuller, director of technology at CTG. "The Toolkit contains a library of XML resources and is intended to grow over time and benefit from the contributions of the online community."

The Toolkit contains sections for getting started; practical approaches for getting XML up and running in a variety of environments; samples of different code; useful tools for XML development; helpful hints for specific XML tasks; and links to XML guides and reports. Each area has a "modest," "moderate," and "elaborate" approach to allow the user to start according to their unique environment. A special section will contain a complete deconstruction of the Toolkit Web site for anyone to see how the XML, XSL and ASP work together to produce the Toolkit Web pages. In addition, a feedback section will allow users to let CTG know what they think of the library and to contribute their own resources, code samples, or tips.

XML is an emerging technology that 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.

The Testbed was undertaken in partnership with the Governor's Office of Employee Relations (GOER), the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), and the Office for Technology (OFT). Beginning in the summer of 2005, five New York State agencies were selected to take part in CTG's XML Testbed and underwent six months of intensive hands-on training and workshops, which led to an XML-based Web site prototype and a business case analysis for each agency. The five participating agencies are the NYS Department of Civil Service, NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, NYS Higher Education Services Corporation, NYS Office of Cultural Education, State Education Department and NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

In addition to producing the Toolkit, CTG is examining the Testbed activities and the agency results to produce a set of recommended practices, an executive briefing, and a Starter Kit to provide guidance for others trying to improve the management, performance, and value of their Web sites. These products will be made available over the next three months in print format and through the online Toolkit.

For more information visit the XML Testbed Project >>
and the The XML Toolkit >>

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 the Center for Technology in Government >>