The Minnesota Model

1

• The Minnesota Model

www.crimnet.state.mn.us
2

• CriMNet
• GJXDM Case Study

3
Objectives

• Review CriMNet's use of the Global Justice XML
  Data Model
• Current Status
• Big Wins
• Areas for Improvement
• Lessons Learned

4
Status

• CriMNet is an integration backbone for a
  Statewide Justice SOA.
• Based on J2EE, XML and Web Services
• Launched in February 2003
• Provides distributed services (search, workflow,
  etc.)
• Goal is to integrate 1,100 criminal justice
  systems

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Current Systems

• Arrest Photos
• Court Dispositions
• Predatory Offender Tracking
• Statewide Prison System
• Prosecution (in test)
• Statewide Supervision
• Probation
• Detention

6
Big Wins

• CriMNet was building its own XML data model
  dictionary
• Cost of integrating and translating data with 49
  other states would have been in tens of millions
• Single XML data model is a huge benefit
• Allows us to focus on other issues
• Tag names for local data
• What enumerated lists to use

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Semantically Clear Names

• Everyone wanted to know what names to use for XML
  data elements
• Now we have a central model
• Names are being used for column names in
  databases in new systems
• XML Mapping will be much more clear
• Reviewing legacy systems to create maps for
  existing data elements

8
Challenges

• Difficult to use without the ability to generate
  a partial schema
• Focus is only on the "leaf elements"
• Can not use GJXDM namespace for complex elements
  without generating partial schemas
• Current limitations in tools and training

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Lessons Learned

• Requires at least three days of training for
  people that already know XML
• If people don't come to the table with XML and
  XML Schema skills - - training requires more
  than three days
• Still many missing tags
• Documentation on when to use what GJXDM tag is
  still not complete
• Internal users require much hand-holding

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Training

• Focus on training CriMNet Team of Developers
  focused on Training for Demonstration Grant
• Suggest a three-day "hands on" training class
• Should walk users through the process of creating
  a full XML exchange document
• Composition and Use of the GXJDM
• Use of GJXDM tools

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Wish List

• Tools to create partial schemas
• Tools to validate documents with GJXDM tags in
  them
• Tools to assist in searching the GJXDM for a
  specific term such as "BookingDate (Should
  direct them to the appropriate components such as
  "ActivityDate)
• Would like sample reference schemas for common
  Justice exchange documents
• Standard Query Language, based on GJXDM, for web
  service descriptions

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www.crimnet.state.mn.us