DRIve-DISA Registry Initiative

The DISA Registry Initiative or DRIve is a program to deploy the technology outlined in the ebXML specifications for a standard online index of items needed by companies to do business in particular industries.

The registry will include business process models, XML schemas and DTDs, and related business objects (such as industry-specific code lists) in a systematic way. DRIve will also index profiles of companies that support the industry specifications, to make their capabilities known to potential trading partners.

The registry will have the ability to expand to include new specifications for core components, interoperable business semantics still in development by ebXML and the EDI standards bodies. Because DRIve will follow the open ebXML specifications, it will allow for cross-indexing in related registries offered by complementary standards organizations or industries.

Companies wishing to do business electronically in a particular industry can search for and retrieve these models, schemas, profiles, and other objects, using common retrieval methods. These methods include browse and drill-down, as well as filtered searches, both required by the ebXML specifications.

As required by ebXML, DRIve will use standard message formats based on the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), an XML messaging specification endorsed by all leading software companies, for submission of objects and responses. It will also have security to protect against unauthorized access, integrity of objects, and non-repudiation of entries.

DRIve is one of the first efforts to implement the ebXML specifications, and as a result, those companies taking part in DRIve will be among the first getting valuable experience working with the specifications.

For user companies, DRIve offers a head start to prepare their systems for ebXML, and have their company profiles listed in the registry ahead of their competitors.

For technology vendors, it provides an opportunity to develop systems and services compliant with ebXML and work with end-user companies interested in implementing the specifications.

DRIve participation is limited to members of DISA affiliated organizations – Accredited Standards Committee X12, Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association, Interactive Financial Exchange, Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, Open Philanthropy Exchange Forum, and Open Travel Alliance (and others that may join with DISA as the project unfolds). There is no additional charge for DISA members to take part. Any individuals wishing to take part that are not members of these groups, will need to first join up.

DISA affiliate members can take part in either a steering group that provides direction and policy, or a working group that will perform the technical tasks. DISA is setting up list-serves and message/document posting forums to facilitate the work.