"You choose a scheme but if the other department isn't using it you will need to map [the data]," he said. "It would be nice to get some consistency."

Bullock spoke of "Islands of XML" arising from uncontrolled use of standards, no consistent approach for defining and using XML, and agency XML resources not being "easily discoverable or reusable".

"In our experience - prioritize, compromise, and publicize," Bullock said. "XML is not in isolation. XML is not just a technical issue and a collaborative approach is needed - it's more than XML."

The Department developed an interim system in-house with one structure for content which includes 80 applications, 250 standards, and "it works".

Although "fairly straightforward", Bullock conceded it is "not a lot in use" but as a result, NSW is now beginning to share data and applications across sectors. "The best we can do at the moment is [encourage] voluntary adoption of standards between agencies," he said, adding in the future this may be mandated. "Governments and large enterprises have the same issues which are more that just XML for interoperability."