Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
112
UN/EDIFACT data schemas and formats, synchronous / asynchronous communication
(Web services / Message Queuing), asymmetric data encryption (public / private keys),
digital signature (system-to-system) etc.
 Semantic data standards;
 and IT Systems technical specifications and requirements.
2. Legal Framework for Cross-border Cooperation
The cross-border cooperation requires a legal framework that governs aspects of recognition
and validity of e-documents and e-signatures, data protection and privacy, as well as practical
matters and technical aspects.
This legal framework needs to be broad and general enough to cover the specificities of all
participating countries and at the same time specific enough to be applied by the countries in
their national legislation and judicial system.
The follow instruments are commonly used alone or in combination
 Regional framework conventions that cover the broader principles and requirements;
 Technical annexes that provide practical details for the implementation in specific areas;
and
 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between government entities to set the terms and
principles of the cooperation.
MoUs, are frequently used to define the technical details of electronic data exchange; i.e.
definition of data set that is subject to exchange, detailed scope and usage of data and
information subjected to exchange and the messaging standards and security.
4. Managing the Political Process
Multilateral cooperation is complex and time consuming and can frustrate by its slow pace. For
example, in the case of the EU, defining the common IT architectural segments related to the
interconnectivity and the interoperability, took approximately 3 years of intensive work before
an agreement on the common procedures, standards and architecture could be reached.
5. Regional Single Window IT Architecture
The IT architecture model is a critical aspect of a RSW. Two IT architecture models are
applicable:
 Peer-to-peer model or distributed (decentralised) IT Architecture;
 Centralised IT Architecture.
The peer-to-peer model or distributed IT Architecture requires a common exchange layer to
dispatch messages and to co-ordinate the distribution of messages (data and documents)
between two participating IT systems without any centralised middleware platform. Without
any routing services this model relies on direct communication between the various services /