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| The Schools Interoperability
Framework (SIF) is a technology standard
that enables software applications in schools
to seamlessly share data. SIF was created over 10 years
ago to solve a common problem experienced
in schools: redundant, manual data entry.
School districts using SIF benefit from increased
efficiency, minimized data entry burden,
and improved data quality. SIF adoption has
dramatically increased; it is now used within schools
in all 50 states. In fact, SIF has proven
to be so effective, education systems in
countries outside the U.S. are now implementing SIF on
a national basis. Download Now |
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What is SIF?
In addition to your current applications, in order to share data using SIF you
will need:
• Zone Integration Serve Software and Hardware
• SIF Agent Software
The Zone Integration Server (ZIS) provides the messaging infrastructure needed
by SIF Agents to exchange data in the hub-spoke architecture. The ZIS serves
as the central point of connectivity and control for data movement. In most cases,
a single ZIS will handle your entire district. Integrity Schools™ can provide
this component to you.
Getting started with SIF also requires a minimum of two administrative software
applications that will share data. The Student Information System (SIS) and H/R
Finance software are the primary source of most student and staff data. Other
systems that are often integrated using SIF include:
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• Transportation
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Special Education
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Learning Management |
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• Food Services
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Parent Notification
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H/R and Finance |
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• Library Automation
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Health Management
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Directory Services |
Each application that participates in this model needs a SIF Agent. SIF Agents
are responsible for translating data between the native format of the specific
application and the SIF standard. Many applications already have SIF agents available;
others have it in their current development plans. You may obtain SIF Agents
in various ways, depending on your vendor’s method of distribution. Integrity
Schools™ is the provider of many SIF Agents; other agents may be purchased directly
from the software vendor. Some SIF Agents may even be included with the application
software. School districts across the country have incorporated SIF Certification
as a purchasing criterion for their software and have seen the benefits that
SIF integration offers.
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