SEMIC.EU supports meaningful data exchange for eGovernment projects. Its core feature is a repository that provides reusable interoperability assets, e.g. XML schema or taxonomies, for pan-European eGovernment projects. It aims to facilitate the data exchange within the European Community.
Project owners
European Commission
IDABC Programme
ISA Programme
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main objective of SEMIC.EU?
- Who is responsible for SEMIC.EU?
- Who can benefit from SEMIC.EU?
- What is an “interoperability asset”?
- Who develops the interoperability assets available on SEMIC.EU?
- How is the quality of provided interoperability assets guaranteed?
- What standards are used for the repository?
- What does an asset need, to be ready for publication?
- Where do I get more information on how to use SEMIC.EU?
- Why should I register?
- Who can register at SEMIC.EU?
- What do I gain from submitting assets to the repository?
- How are intellectual property rights treated?
- Can I withdraw an asset once it is published?
1. What is the main objective of SEMIC.EU?
2. Who is responsible for SEMIC.EU?
SEMIC.EU is a new service that has been initiated by the IDABC programme (Interoperable Delivery of European eGovernment Services to public Administrations, Businesses and Citizens). The contract for this project has been awarded to ]init[, a German IT service provider, who works in collaboration with Fraunhofer ISST, GEFEG and France Telecom R&D.
3. Who can benefit from SEMIC.EU?
SEMIC.EU intends to support European eGovernment projects that deal with questions of interoperability, especially in the context of cross-border data exchange.
4. What is an “interoperability asset”?
This term describes resources that support the exchange of data in distributed information systems. SEMIC.EU provides syntactic and semantic interoperability assets to its users. Syntactic assets define common data structures, e.g. XML schema. Semantic assets, on the other hand, deliver a central terminology to ensure that data elements are interpreted in the same way by communicating parties. Semantic interoperability assets, e.g. taxonomies or code lists, are particularly relevant in the multilingual context of the European Union.
5. Who develops the interoperability assets available on SEMIC.EU?
The interoperability assets provided on SEMIC.EU are contributions from European eGovernment projects. Therefore we do not develop the assets ourselves, but we encourage existing interoperability projects to make their results available for reuse by other projects and users through our platform. Please contact us if you can contribute relevant interoperability assets.
6. How is the quality of provided interoperability assets guaranteed?
We have established a transparent clearing process to ensure that only quality assured interoperability assets are published on SEMIC.EU. Our Clearing Process Manager is responsible for the evaluation and publishing of assets that are submitted to the platform. Discussions about the quality of particular assets and other topics around interoperability can take place in the forum.
7. What standards are used for the repository?
The registry is based on open standards from the OASIS consortium: OASIS/ebXML Registry Information Model and OASIS/ebXML Registry Services Specification. Please contact us for further information.
8. What does an asset need, to be ready for publication?
There are no limitations as to what makes a suitable asset. Even if there is just an idea and no substance yet, publishing it on SEMIC.EU makes perfect sense. Ideas from other users, SEMIC.EU’s coaching services and the clearing process in general can prove valuable in the development of an asset.
9. Where do I get more information on how to use SEMIC.EU?
You will be guided through the processes by clear explanations at each step. If you encounter problems which our help pages and tooltips do not cover, you can always contact us and ask for support.
10. Why should I register?
Some of the portal’s services and areas, such as uploading and downloading assets, are restricted to registered users. In the forum, you can also post as a registered user. Reading forum messages is possible without registration. You must also register to receive our newsletter.
11. Who can register at SEMIC.EU?
Even though there is a clear focus on eGovernment projects within SEMIC.EU, the portal is open to all. Anybody interested in interoperability issues is eligible to join the SEMIC.EU community.
12. What do I gain from submitting assets to the repository?
Contributing your solutions to SEMIC.EU has a number of benefits: Not only is it a good opportunity to make your project visible on a European scale, but SEMIC.EU’s peer review principle will also help to enhance your assets and – after a successful clearing process – guarantee their quality. In addition, the portal is an excellent tool for cooperation with your existing partners and for the acquisition of new partner projects.
13. How are intellectual property rights treated?
All IPR related to assets published on SEMIC.EU remain with the owner. You can determine the type of licence your assets are published under.
14. Can I withdraw an asset once it is published?
Yes, as the owner you can withdraw your asset at any time.