I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Air Force Weather Agency Standardizing U.S. Federal Weather XML/Web Services Mr. Michael Howland Technical Director/CIO 12 December Jun 05

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e 2 The Challenge Most OFCM agencies working to support machine-to- machine (M2M) operations & applications DoD Virtual Joint METOC Database (VJMDB) plan focused on XML-based Web Services Implementing a DoD common, request/response mechanism for accessing all METOC data and services Built upon mid-90s DoD data standardization efforts NWS also building XML/web services data access (Center web sites and via the NDFD) Increasing national demand for a single M2M weather data answer (E.g., NGATS)

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e 3 The Challenge (Cont’) Increased XML/web services focus within national and international weather community Nation that proposes first sets WMO standard? Without common XML/web services, U.S. weather providers will build unique data interfaces Agencies working very similar capability enhancements, without collaboration, duplication of national effort a given Tangible risk of external standards being imposed on federal weather community with resulting significant expenditure of resources to retool for compliance

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e 4 Proposed Way-Ahead Establish a CEISC Joint Action Group (JAG) to: Assess and document status of OFCM member efforts to develop XML-based Web Services Identify what services are operational or planned Identify any standards and protocols used in web services Explore boundaries with other communities (GIS, M&S, etc.) that may influence web services approach Identify/assess related national and international activities Develop recommendations for CEISC to bring to ICMSR on actions needed to: Converge the national XML-based web services efforts Minimize the impact of differences in OFCM member services Establish common Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach Establish/identify the degree of data standardization required Establish an action plan to normalize Web Services efforts Maximize reuse to largest extent possible Coordination approach to ensure future consistency

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e 5 DISCUSSION and Decision