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Active Data Retrieval
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Definition: The ability to select and retrieve data from a secure server using a standard protocol.
Acronym: ADR
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Address
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Definition 1: An address on the WWW is either specific number or a label. Numbers, or four sets of numbers (168.185.68.105), are called Universal Resource Numbers or IP addresses. Sets of words, from a few to several (prod.dnr.wi.gov/WDNRnode), are called Universal Resource Locators (URLs). The Exchange Network uses URLs to identify state nodes, shared service nodes like the Network Authentication and Authorization Service (NAAS), and other Network facilities.
Definition 2: Address also refers to the part of a Web Service Definition Language (WSDL) file (endpoint) describing information for locating the specified service.
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Air Facility System
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Definition: An EPA data system that contains compliance and permit data for stationary air pollution sources regulated by EPA, state and local air pollution agencies. For more information, see: http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/data/systems/air/afssystem.html
Acronym: AFS
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Air Quality System
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Definition: EPA's repository of ambient air quality data. The acronym is used for both an EPA database and an Exchange Network data exchange. Information on the AQS database can be found here: epa.gov/air/data/aqsdb.html. Information about the AQS data exchange can be found on the Exchange Network Web Site at: www.exchangenetwork.net/exchanges/air/aqs.htm.
Acronym: AQS
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Authenticate
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Definition: A key function (or "web method") of Exchange Network nodes. It validates users based on the credential (i.e. user id, password) they send. It returns a security Token when successful. The security Token must be included in other method invocations (except NodePing) as a proof of identity. A security Token is an encrypted string that is decrypted by NAAS to provide user related information (name, IP address etc.) to the node that has been requested to process a web service by another node or a Network User. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Authentication
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Definition: The process of verifying the identity of the sender and the integrity of a message. It is the first step before any exchange can take place. Authentication can be done through the use of pin/password, SSL, PKI, or other mechanisms. The process of determining whether a user is authorized to access the Exchange Network is managed by the Network Authentication and Authorization Service (NAAS).
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Beach Notification
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Definition: An Exchange Network data exchange that allows for the reporting of beach metadata, contact information, and beach advisory and closing data as required under the BEACH Act (Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act). Grant recipients are required to submit beach notification data to EPA. For more information, see: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/exchanges/water/beach_notif.htm.
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Binding
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Definition: The technique of programming a linkage between a request and the resulting data flow. Also, the part of a WSDL file describing information about the transport protocol to be used.
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Central Data Exchange
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Definition: The Agency's connection to the Exchange Network for receipt of environmental data. CDX is built upon a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) which provides the Agency a set of reusable and centralized web services to facilitate the collection, exchange and publishing of regulatory environmental data as well as environmental data that is voluntarily submitted amongst EPA; Exchange Network partners, including states and tribes; and the regulated community. CDX is the Agency's designated system to support data collections that must comply with EPA's Cross Media Electronic Reporting Rule through registration services that authenticate and authorize users to submit data to EPA. The CDX staff also provide technical expertise to program office partners during system design or enhancement phases of their systems to ensure full leverage of reusable services and components. CDX provides the Agency with a state-of-the-art solution for collecting, sharing and publishing data with increased data quality, reduction in burden for the regulated community, reduction in costs for Agency programs, and compliance with electronic data security standards for both sensitive and non-sensitive data.
Acronym: CDX
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Client/Node Client
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Definition: Any tool that can send and receive messages from a network node. Node clients are typically applications or components of tools that can access information from the Exchange Network using a standard set of messages defined in the Network protocol and specification. Like Nodes, Network Clients can submit, request, and receive results from a request on the Network. However, Network Clients do not listen for requests from other Nodes, and therefore cannot publish data (service requests) on the Exchange Network. This means that unlike Nodes, clients can not send and receive data automatically; they need human intervention to execute services.
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Communities of Interest
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Definition: A group of Exchange Network stakeholders who share an interest in the exchange of a specific set of environmental data.
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Confidential Business Information
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Definition: Material that contains trade secrets or commercial or financial information that has been claimed as confidential by its source (e.g. a pesticide or new chemical formulation registrant).
Acronym: CBI
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Cross Media Electronic Reporting Rule
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Definition: A rule issued by U.S. EPA in July 2000 that sets forth criteria for voluntary electronic environmental reporting and intends to enable electronic submission of any document that the regulated community must submit under federal environmental laws. States/tribes must submit an application to EPA that explains how their electronic submittal system meets CROMERR requirements. More information on CROMERR is available at: www.epa.gov/cromerr/.
Acronym: CROMERR
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Data Element
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Definition: The smallest unit of information stored in a database. Individual pieces of data are standardized through common definitions and formats (data standards) (e.g., facility name). Examples of data elements are the facility name, DUNS number, and inspection date. Data elements are incorporated into XML data files for data exchanges.
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Data Element Description Language
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Definition: A generic data modeling language used to describe key characteristics of the Query and Solicit parameter (i.e. data element). It is designed to complement the information stored in ENDS by allowing a granular description of specific data elements, including data validation rules and/or allowable values which may differ by node. The main goal of this language is to simplify the tools for accessing the Exchange Network such as the EN Service Center and the EN Browser by providing allowable value lists for Query parameters. The standardized management and access mechanism for data element characteristics makes it easy for applications to automatically consume them.
Acronym: DEDL
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Data Exchange Template
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Definition: An empty but standardized format that identifies the types of information required/allowed in a particular document or data exchange. Data exchange templates contain no data, but they define the format for exchange according to data standards and Trading Partner Agreements (TPAs). They identify what types of information are required for a particular document (i.e., name, address, etc.) as established in predefined standards or agreements. A standard template for DETs is available on the Exchange Network Website.
Acronym: DET
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Data Management Workgroup
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Definition: The Data Management Work Group was established in 1998 to address information management issues in the States and to work jointly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, via the State/EPA Information Management Work Group (IMWG) to build locally and nationally accessible, cohesive and coherent environmental information systems. The IMWG was sunsetted in late 2008, having fulfilled its charter by developing the Environmental Information Exchange Network; it has been replaced by the Environmental Information Technology Leadership Council (EITLC).
Acronym: DMWG
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Data Standard
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Definition: Documents an agreement on representation, format and definition for common data exchanged between partners. Exchange Network partners must use data standards that have been approved by the Exchange Network Leadership Council (ENLC). The ENLC has subsumed the activities of the Environmental Data Standards Council (EDSC). A list of ENLC/EDSC-approved data standards can be found at http://www.exchangenetwork.net/standards. These standards have been previously defined by the Environmental Data Standards Council as "documented agreements on formats and definitions of common data."
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Data Stewardship
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Definition: The responsibility for managing data, resources and activities including quality assurance, data collection, maintenance and disposition.
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Data Type
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Definition: A way of classifying data elements based on their content such as strings, Boolean, date, integer, etc.. It defines the format and content of a data element, for example Collection Date can specify Central Daylight Time and HH.MM.SEC format. It is also used as a part of a WSDL file describing information for message requests and message responses.
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Demonstrated Node Configurations
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Definition: Demonstrated Node Configurations were platform-specific Node 1.1 implementations intended for distribution and re-use. DNC's have been replaced in Node 2.0 by standardized complete node implementations on various platforms such as the Open Node 2.
Acronym: DNCs
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Digital Certificate
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Definition: An encrypted identity record that can be used to gain access to a system, sign a document, establish a secure connection, etc.. It contains information about who the certificate belongs to, who it was issued by, a unique serial number or other unique identification, valid dates, and an encrypted "fingerprint" that can be used to verify the contents of the certificate.
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Direct Internet Message Encapsulation
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Definition: A specification for sending and receiving SOAP messages with document attachments, like binary files, XML fragments, and even other SOAP messages, using standard transport protocols like HTTP. DIME, used in the node 1.1 specification, was deprecated and its use was replaced by MTOM (Message Transmission Optimization Mechanism), a new attachment protocol, in the Node 2.0 specification.
Acronym: DIME
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Discharge Monitoring Report
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Definition: Reports generated by permittees regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and contain information pertaining to the self-monitoring of discharges into waters regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA). These reports must be approved by EPA and states. DMR information is exchange via the ICIS-NPDES flow on the Exchange Network (see http://www.exchangenetwork.net/exchanges/water/icisnpdes.htm).
Acronym: DMR
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Download
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Definition: A key function (or "web method") used by Exchange Network nodes. It is often used to fulfill an asynchronous request such as a solicit. For instance, a user requests a large quantity of information from a node that processes the request at a later time and then notifies by a requester that the data is available for download. The user then invokes the Download method to retrieve documents the next day perhaps. Asynchronous requests are processed as computer resources become available instead of immediately/synchronously upon receipt. For example, an asynchronous request could be completed at night or the next day.
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e-signature
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Electronic Signature
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Definition: An electronic record usually attached to a larger record (e.g. document, report) that is used by an individual as the legal equivalent of a handwritten (wet ink) signature. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Emissions Inventory System
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Definition: EPA's information system for storing all current and historical emissions inventory data. It receives and stores emissions data and generates emission inventories beginning with the 2008 National Emissions Inventory (NEI). Network partners submit emissions inventory data to the EIS using the EIS Data Exchange. For more information, see: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/exchanges/air/eis.htm.
Acronym: EIS
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Environmental Data Standards Council
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Definition: An independent forum established by the State/EPA Information Management Workgroup whose mission was to promote the efficient sharing of environmental information between EPA, States, Tribes and other parties through the development of data standards. The role has been subsumed by the Exchange Network Leadership Council (ENLC).
Acronym: EDSC
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Environmental Information Exchange Network
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Definition: An Internet- and standards-based information network, connecting EPA and its state, tribal and territorial partners. It is designed to help integrate information, provide secure real-time access to environmental information, and support the electronic collection and exchange of high-quality data and information. The Exchange Network provides a more efficient way of exchanging environmental information at all levels of government. It significantly improves the way EPA and its state, tribal, and territorial partners send and receive information.
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Environmental Information Technology Leadership Council
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Definition: A joint EPA-State governance body that provides a collaborative leadership forum for information technology leaders to transfer knowledge, share solutions, and provide opportunities for creative thinking.
Acronym: EITLC
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Exchange Network
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Exchange Network Leadership Council
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Definition: Guides the development of the Exchange Network and provides executive level leadership and strategic direction for the Network. For current members of the ENLC, please see the Governance page.
Acronym: ENLC
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Execute
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Definition: A key function (also known as a service) performed by Exchange Network nodes. It is used to run stored procedures or other predefined operations. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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eXtensible Markup Language
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Definition: A flexible language for creating common information formats and sharing both the format and content of data over the Internet and elsewhere. The electronic language that expresses and transports data standards and transaction sets. XML uses an extensible set of tags to describe the meaning of data. XML, a formatting language recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). For guidance on the development of XML schema for the Exchange Network or related activities of the Network Technical Group, see the Exchange Network Web site at http://www.exchangenetwork.net.
Acronym: XML
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Facility Registry Services
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Definition 1: The EPA Data Warehouse for facility information for all environmental areas, consolidated from EPA data systems and state, tribes, and territories.
Definition 2: The Exchange Network FRS data flow. This flow is also referred to as the FacilityID Exchange because it is not exclusively used to submit to the EPA FRS warehouse. The exchange is also used for other facility information sharing purposes such as the HERE Exchange. The official Exchange Network data exchange page for the FacilityID exchange is located at http://www.exchangenetwork.net/exchanges/cross/facility.htm.
Acronym: FRS
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File Transfer Protocol
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Definition: Protocol/language/tool used to transfer files from one computer to another through the Internet.
Acronym: FTP
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Flow Configuration Documents
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Definition: The principle document that defines the detailed data exchange processing design and roles governing a data exchange using narrative text, diagrams and examples. A standard template for FCDs is available on the Exchange Network Website. For more information, refer to the Flow Configuration Checklist v1.1 .
Acronym: FCDs
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Geographic Information Systems
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Definition: Include software and hardware systems that relate and display collected data in terms of geographic or spatial location. GIS allow users to collect, manage, and analyze large volumes of geospatial data and metadata. EPA and its partners use GIS systems to conduct complex environmental analyses.
Acronym: GIS
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Geospatial Data
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Definition: Data that identify, depict, or describe the geographic locations, boundaries, or characteristics of the Earth's inhabitants or its natural or human-constructed features. Geospatial data include geographic coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) that identify a specific location on the Earth; data that are linked to geographic locations or have a geospatial component (e.g., socio-economic data, land use records and analyses, land surveys, homeland security information, and environmental analyses). Geospatial data may be obtained using a variety of approaches and technologies, including things such as surveys, satellite remote sensing, Global Position System (GPS) hand-held devices, and airborne imagery and detection devices. The Exchange Network has agreed that the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards of GEO RSS (Geographical Really Simple Syndication) and Geographic Markup Language (GML) are the preferred ways of exchanging geospatial data. Both of these encode geospatial data in XML similar to environmental data.
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GetServices
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Definition: GetServices is a key Exchange Network node service. It provides a complete list of web services available from a node in XML format. This service list is used to power tools like the EN Browser that automate and simplify using the Exchange Network. The types of services that can be discovered include, but are not limited to: (1) Interfaces: The Web service interfaces supported by the Node. (2) Query: Predefined information requests. (3) Solicit: Predefined information requests. (4) Execute: Predefined procedures that can be used in the Execute method. A Node may choose to support additional service types when needed. To get a complete list of all service types, a requester can pass ServiceType as the value of the ServiceType element. This design allows the service provider to extend the services provided (e.g., add any new service as needed) without changing the infrastructure. This greatly enhances the overall usability, stability and capability of the Exchange Network. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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GetStatus
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Definition: A key function (or "web method") of Exchange Network nodes. It is a method for checking the status of a transaction. Once a request is submitted, the node updates the transaction status as it processes the request (e.g. received, in progress, completed). For Nodes that do not support staged transactions, the status of a submission degrades to a Boolean value: Failed or Completed.
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HyperText Markup Language
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Definition: The primary language for coding web pages and other information that can be displayed in a web browser. A block of text is surrounded with codes that indicate how it should appear.
Acronym: HTML
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol
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Definition: The set of rules for moving hypertext files (e.g. text with embedded formatting tags) across the Internet and World Wide Web. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
Acronym: HTTP
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Information Management Workgroup
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Definition: A State-EPA coordinating body on information management issues. It was replaced by the EITLC in 2009. The IMWG was jointly established by U.S. EPA and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS). Its mission was to improve the collection, management, and use of environmental data through providing a forum for resolving information issues between states and EPA; learning from each other's efforts and investments; and achieving a shared vision of future environmental information management.
Acronym: IMWG
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Integrated Compliance Information System
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Definition: Supports the information needs of the national enforcement and compliance program. ICIS integrates data that is currently located in several separate data systems. ICIS enables individuals from states and EPA to access integrated enforcement and compliance data from any desktop connected to the Internet. EPA's ability to target the most critical environmental problems will improve as the system integrates data from all media.
Acronym: ICIS
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Integrated Compliance Information System-National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
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Definition: The first phase of the Integrated Compliance Information Systems (ICIS) development is to support the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program - ICIS-NPDES, the data for which have been stored in the outdated Permit Compliance system. The main components of the NPDES program are the issuance and enforcement of permits that facilities require before discharging wasterwater into any surface water body. The ICIS-NPDES data exchange allows state, tribe and EPA regional users to provide NPDES data to EPA in an XML format, check the results, and correct common errors that may occur to their submissions. For more information, see: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/exchanges/water/icisnpdes.htm
Acronym: ICIS-NPDES
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Integrated Project Team
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Definition: A group of individuals comprised of partner (state or tribal) and EPA staff, support contractors and technology vendors organized to design and implement a specific exchange or data flow.
Acronym: IPT
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Interface
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Definition: The point of interaction between components, including between two pieces of hardware, between software, between hardware and software and between people and hardware or software.
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Interim Data Exchange Format
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Definition: A legacy format used with PCS. Replaced by the ICIS/NPDES data flow.
Acronym: IDEF
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Message Transmission Optimization Mechanism
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Definition: An attachment protocol that is used in the Node 2.0 specification, it is a method of efficiently sending binary data to and from web services. It uses XOP (XML-binary Optimized Packaging) to transmit binary data and is intended to replace both MIME and DIME attachments. Binary content often has to be recoded to be sent as text data with SOAP messages. MTOM allows more efficient sending of binary data in a SOAP request or response.
Acronym: MTOM
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Metadata
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Definition: Data or information that describes other data. Examples include data that describe how or where the data were collected, whether or not the data comply with agreed-upon data standards, or how the data will be used. "Data about data" that describe the content, quality, condition, and other characteristics of data. Metadata accompanies the data set through its transmission.
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Minority Business Enterprise/Woman Business Enterprise
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Definition: (pronounced Me-Be-We-Be) A form that is required to be filed quarterly for all Exchange Network grant recipients. These forms record the amount spent each quarter with minority and woman-owned enterprises. It's important to file these forms each quarter, even if you are reporting zero dollars spent during that quarter.
Acronym: MBE/WBE
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National Emissions Inventory
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Definition: A Clean Air Act (CAA) collection of point, area, mobile and biogenic emissions data periodically submitted to EPA's Office of Air and Radiation by State and local air programs. These data are used for air dispersion modeling, regional strategy development, regulation-setting, air toxics risk assessment, and tracking trends in emissions over time.
Acronym: NEI
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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
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Definition: A permit program that controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Data related to this program is exchanged on the Exchange Network using the ICIS-NPDES data exchange.
Acronym: NPDES
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National System Flows
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Definition: There are ten National System Flows identified by the Exchange Network Leadership Council (ENLC) in the Exchange Network Strategic Plan. The flows are: Air Facility System (AFS); Air Quality System (AQS); Beach Notification; Facility Registry System (FRS); Integrated Compliance Information System - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (ICIS-NPDES); Emission Inventory System (EIS); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRAInfo); Safe Drinking Water Identification System (SDWIS); Toxics Release Inventory System (TRIS); and Water Quality Exchange (WQX).
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Network Administrator
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Definition: The information technology professional responsible for setting up, maintaining and securing a computer network.
Acronym: NA
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Network Authorization and Authentication Services
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Definition: A set of centralized information security services that Exchange Network partners use to authenticate and authorize their users. NAAS provides an efficient way for Exchange Network partners to exchange data, without having to build and maintain their own security system. NAAS supports many levels of security, from PIN/passwords to public Key Infrastructure. Security tokens and assertions issued by NAAS are trusted and accepted by all Network Nodes. All operations defined in NAAS must be conducted over a secure SSL channel using 128 bit encryption.
Acronym: NAAS
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Network Operations Board
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Definition: Oversees the Exchange Network's shared infrastructure. The membership identifies, prioritizes and resolves Network operations issues, and acts as a clearinghouse for all Network operations issues. The Network Operations Board (NOB) oversees the day-to-day operations of the Exchange Network. The mission of the NOB is to: establish and maintain operational policies and guidance; manage shared services and infrastructure; manage data standards and format development; manage the development and implementation of Network web services and data exchanges; expeditiously, impartially, and judiciously resolve all Network Partner implementation and operational issues; and elevate issues to the Exchange Network Leadership Council (ENLC) as appropriate.
Acronym: NOB
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Network Partnership and Resources Group
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Definition: Responsible for maintaining and expanding the base of partners on the Network as well as policy and resource planning. It is a chartered subgroup of the Network Operations Board (NOB).
Acronym: NPRG
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Network Steering Board
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Definition: A former governance group for the Exchange Network. It governed the implementation, operation, and ongoing maintenance of the Network. The NSB's primary functions were to oversee and steer implementation of the Network, maintain and operate a Network Registry/Repository and develop guidance and best practice recommendations. These functions are now carried about by the Exchange Network Leadership Council (ENLC) and Network Operations Board (NOB).
Acronym: NSB
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Network Technology Group
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Definition: Oversees day-to-day operations and technical support of the Exchange Network, including the help desk and registry. It is a chartered subgroup of the Network Operations Board (NOB).
Acronym: NTG
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Node
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Definition: A partner's managed portal for providing and receiving information via the Exchange Network. A Node is a Web service enabled server (hardware and software) that provides a point for exchanging information over the Internet. Exchange Network Nodes can gain access to and transmit information using Web services. In order to achieve interoperability among Nodes, all Nodes must be designed according to the Exchange Network specifications. Specifications, protocols, tools, complete implementations, and documentation for building a functioning Exchange Network Node are available at http://www.exchangenetwork.net.
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Node 2.0
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Definition: Refers to the newest version of the Network Exchange Protocol (v 2.0) and the Network Node Functional Specification (v 2.0). Node 2.0 was created to ensure that the EN technologies remain current with industry standards. It replaces the original version 1.1 specification which had components that were no longer industry standards.
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NodePing
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Definition: A key function (or "web method") of Exchange Network nodes. It is a utility method for determining whether a Node is accessible. A positive response from the Node indicates that it is live and well. A Network error (no response) or SOAP Fault (not ready) means that the service is not available at this time. NodePing is the only node operation that does not require authentication. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Non-Repudiation
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Definition: The concept of ensuring that a party cannot repudiate, or refute the validity of a statement or report. In the context of the Exchange Network, non-repudiation is an important component of the Cross Media Electronic Reporting Rule (CROMERR). Under CROMERR, electronic reporting systems must include non-repudiation procedures sufficient to demonstrate that electronic signatures are authentic and to rebut any attempt by the signatory to repudiate it and the report to which the signature is bound. For more information on CROMERR, see: http://www.epa.gov/CROMERR/index.html
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North American Industry Classification System
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Definition: A set of industry categories standardized between the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S. it is taking over from the SIC code system.
Acronym: NAICS
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Notify
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Definition: A key function (or "web method") of Exchange Network nodes. The Notify method has three (3) intended uses: (1) Document notification: A Node or client notifies a service provider about availability of data in response to a solicit request. The service provider can retrieve the documents anytime. (2) Event notification: A Node sends, or possibly broadcasts, an event that is of interest to other parties. Event messages can be security alerts, shutdown notices, and other Network management notes. (3) Status notification: A service provider sends a message to a requester to provide the current status of a submission or service request. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Operations
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Definition: The set of all processes and services that are provided by an organization.
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Outcome
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Definition: A description of outcomes is required in semi-annual EPA Exchange Network grant reports. The term "outcome" means the result, effect or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be environmental, behavioral, health-related or programmatic in nature, may be either quantitative or qualitative, and may not necessarily be achievable within an assistance agreement funding period.
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Output
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Definition: A description of "outputs" is required in the semi-annual EPA Exchange Network grant reports. The term "output" means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective, that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable during an assistance agreement funding period.
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Partner
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Definition: In the context of the Exchange Network, "partner" refers to an institution that is active on the Network. It can also mean one of the two entities in a Trading Partner exchange. The Partner can either be the information provider or the information requester (client/consumer).
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Performance Partnership Agreement
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Definition: Performance Partnership Agreements are negotiated between EPA and a state, tribe or territory to plan and set priorities together. Most cover a multi-year period, and have a strong underpinning of strategic thinking based on an assessment of environmental conditions and program implementation needs, and analysis of what approaches and tools are most likely to bring about the greatest environmental results. PPAs reflect these jointly developed goals and priorities and translate them into plans at the operational level. They are broad strategic documents containing a joint statement of priorities and goals negotiated between a state and EPA Region.
Acronym: PPA
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Performance Partnership Grant
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Definition: EPA provides financial assistance to states, tribes and territories to help them develop and implement environmental programs in response to Federal delegation of a range of program responsibilities. Under traditional environmental program grants (sometimes called "categorical" grants), states receive funds separately to implement the various water, air, waste, pesticides, and toxic substances programs. States and certain interstate agencies can now choose to combine two or more environmental program grants into a single PPG, which thus becomes a key tool for implementing Performance Partnership Agreements.
Acronym: PPG
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Permit Compliance System
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Definition: Provides information on companies which have been issued permits to discharge waste water into rivers. PCS is being replaced by ICIS/NPDES.
Acronym: PCS
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Port
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Definition: A system that translates a piece of software to bring it from one type of computer system or operating system to another.
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Portal Authority
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Definition: The entity that controls access to a portal and maintains the web sites or search engines associated with that portal.
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Public Key Infrastructure
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Definition: A software application that allows users to encrypt and send information securely over a public network. Encryption is the process of transforming information to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key.
Acronym: PKI
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Publishing
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Definition: In the context of the Exchange Network, "publishing" refers to using Web services to make data available to Network users by querying nodes and returning environmental data in the form of XML documents. These services are also called data services. Once these data services are deployed, they can be used in a number of ways such as populating Web pages, synchronizing data between sites, viewing data in a Web service client, or building new sources of data into an integrated application.
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Query
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Definition: A key function (or "web method") of Exchange Network nodes. It is intended to run a series of predefined information requests that return data in an XML document that conforms to a predefined standard schema and that meets the selection criteria defined in the query parameters. Many predefined information requests are standardized across the Network and many are unique to a particular Node. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Remote Procedure Call
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Definition: Run procedures on other machines or devices connected to a network. Once the instructions have been run, the results of the procedure are usually returned to the local computer. All EN operations use this design pattern.
Acronym: RPC
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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System
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Definition: A national program management and inventory system about hazardous waste handlers.
Acronym: RCRAInfo
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Reusable Component Services
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Definition: A catalog of IT resources such as XML schema, web services, and software tools used by EPA and partners, including the Exchange Network. These resources are reusable either in part or in whole, saving EN partners time and money when doing development work. See epa.gov/rcs for further information.
Acronym: RCS
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Safe Drinking Water Identification System
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Definition: Contains information about public water systems and their violations of EPA's drinking water regulations.
Acronym: SDWIS
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Schema
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Definition: An XML schema defines the structure of an XML document, including which data elements and attributes can appear in a document; how the data elements relate to one another; whether an element is empty or can include text; which types of data are allowed for specific data elements and attributes; and what the default and fixed values are for elements and attributes. XML Schemas express shared vocabularies and allow machines to carry out rules made by people. They provide a means for defining the structure, content and semantics of XML documents. EPA is working on developing an XML registry. A set of Network quality assurance Web services is available to validate your XML documents against the schemas using a standard parser. A list of procedural and guidance documents related to schema development is available in the Flow Documentation Checklist document on the Exchange Network Website (http://www.exchangenetwork.net/dev_schema/FlowDocChecklist_v2%200.pdf).
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Schematron
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Definition: An open source application that is used for validating XML (eXchange Mark-up Language) documents against business rules and returning error reports. It can create an XML stylesheet (XSLT) to validate XML documents by combining the XML schema and a file containing a set of business rules. The Network Quality Assurance Services use Schematron to validate XML documents against the business rules, as well as supporting a standard parser for schema validation. (.Net Reader). The XSLT style sheet is then used to validate the instance document and return a list of errors.
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Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol
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Definition: HTTP with the addition of encryption (security) using the Secure Sockets Layer. In web addresses, URLs that use encryption begin with HTTPS://
Acronym: SHTTP
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Secure Socket Layer
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Definition: A protocol for transmitting private documents via the Internet that allows data to be encrypted for authenticated communications across the Internet. Users on both sides are able to authenticate data and ensure message integrity. SSL works by using a public key to encrypt data that's transferred over the SSL connection. By convention, URLs that require an SSL connection start with https: instead of http:.
Acronym: SSL
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Security Assertion Markup Language
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Definition: An XML-based standard for exchanging authentication data between security domains, that is, between an identity provider (a producer of assertions) and a service provider (a consumer of assertions).
Acronym: SAML
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Service Consumer
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Definition: A partner or client using the Exchange Network to obtain information from a service provider.
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Service Provider
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Definition: The provider of the Web service. The service provider implements the service, publishes its availability, makes it available on the Internet, and processes requests for services.
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Service Requester
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Definition: Any consumer of the Web service. The service requester discovers an existing web service, retrieves its description, and then utilizes the web service by opening a network connection and sending an Extensible Markup Language (XML) request conforming to its interface description.
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Simple Object Access Protocol
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Definition: A protocol specification for exchanging structured information for the implementation of Web Services on a computer network. It allows machines to interoperate in a loosely coupled manner using simple standard messages over the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP or others) and uses Extensible Markup Language (XML) as the mechanisms for information exchange.
Acronym: SOAP
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Solicit
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Definition: A key Exchange Network node function (or service). The Solicit method is essentially an asynchronous query operation that requires significant processing on a node to fulfill the request. Asynchronous requests are processed as computer resources become available instead of immediately/synchronously upon receipt. For example, an asynchronous request could be completed at night or the next day. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Standard Industrial Classification
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Definition: A classification system developed by the US Department of Commerce to categorize business activities. SIC codes have been replaced by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
Acronym: SIC
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Storage and Retrieval
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Definition: A repository for water quality, biological and physical data and is used by state environmental agencies, EPA and other federal agencies, universities, private citizens and many others. States, tribes and territories submit data to STORET through the Water Quality Exchange (WQX).
Acronym: STORET
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Submit
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Definition: A key function (or "web method") of Exchange Network nodes. It is a message that is used to send one or more payloads to a service provider. Payloads can be carried in the message body or as attached files. Payloads not carried in the body are encapsulated in an array of node documents. A payload can be embedded into a message as a base64 encoded value, or as a separate attachment referenced by the node document. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Technical Resource Group
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Definition: A former governance group for the Exchange Network. The TRG's primary responsibility was to provide specific technical advice and assistance on issues relating to the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the Network. The TRG was comprised of four subgroups, the Core Reference Model subgroup (CRM), the Data Exchange Template (DET) subgroup, the Network Registry/Repository subgroup, and the Schema Review subgroup. The work of the TRG is now being done by the Network Technology Group (NTG).
Acronym: TRG
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Toxics Release Inventory
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Definition: A publicly available EPA database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities reported annually by certain covered industry groups as well as federal facilities.
Acronym: TRI
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Toxics Release Inventory - Made Easy
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Definition: A software tool to help facilities determine and complete their Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) section 313 (TRI) reporting obligations.
Acronym: TRI-ME
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Trading Partner Agreement
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Definition: Defines in writing, for specific data exchanges, the participating partners' individual and joint responsibilities in stewardship, security, and other items essential for the effective exchange of information between two or more trading partners on the Exchange Network. More information is available at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/dev_schema/tpa.htm.
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Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
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Definition: The standard communications protocol (language) required for computers on the Internet.
Acronym: TCP/IP
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Unified Modeling Language
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Definition: An industry-standard language for specifying, visualizing, constructing, and documenting the components of software systems such as databases, business processes, and relationships.
Acronym: UML
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Uniform Resource Identifier
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Definition: Identifies the name and location of a file or resource in a uniform format. It includes a string of characters for the filename and may also contain the path to the directory of the file. URIs provide a standard way for resources to be accessed by other computers across a network or over the World Wide Web. URIs are similar to URLs in that they specify the location of a file. However, a URI may refer to all or part a URL. For example, Apple's iMac Design URL is http://www.apple.com/imac/design.html. The URI of this resource may be defined as just "design.html" or "/imac/design.html." These are called relative URIs since they identify the resource relative to a specific location. The complete URL would be referred to as an absolute URI.
Acronym: URI
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Uniform Resource Locator
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Definition: Uniform Resource Locator is a specific character string that constitutes a reference to an Internet resource or page. For example: http://www.exchangenetworkwiki.com. It can be thought of as an address of the resource or page.
Acronym: URL
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Universal Description Discovery and Integration
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Definition: A web-based distributed directory that enables Exchange Network partners to list themselves on the Internet and discover each other, similar to a traditional phone book's yellow and white pages.
Acronym: UDDI
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Universally Unique Identifier
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Definition: An identifier standard used in software construction, standardized by the Open Software Foundation (OSF) as part of the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE). The intent of UUIDs is to enable distributed systems to uniquely identify information without significant central coordination. Thus, anyone can create a UUID and use it to identify something with reasonable confidence that the identifier will never be unintentionally used by anyone for anything else. Information labeled with UUIDs can therefore be later combined into a single database without needing to resolve name conflicts.
Acronym: UUID
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Virtual Private Network
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Definition: A secure encrypted network that can be run over the public Internet while still giving privacy and/or authentication to each user of the network.
Acronym: VPN
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Water Quality Exchange
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Definition: An Exchange Network data exchange that allows Network partners to share ambient water quality data with the U.S. EPA. For more information, see: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/exchanges/water/wqx.htm
Acronym: WQX
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Web Form
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Definition: A standard interface that can be downloaded from the Internet. A Web form contains text boxes for a user to enter data. Users can then submit the form (e.g., environmental reports) to the receiver.
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Web Methods
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Definition: Key functions of Exchange Network nodes as described in the Network Node Functional Specification. These methods make it possible for data exchanges of any type between Nodes to be conducted seamlessly and automatically. The web methods are: Authenticate, Submit, Query, GetStatus, Notify, Solicit, Download, NodePing, GetServices, and Execute (Optional method). This basic set of functions will be applicable for each given type of dataflow that will be exchanged through the Node, considering that each Node may be able to handle many kinds and types of data. Web methods are essentially classes or types of web services. For more information, see the Network Node Functional Specification 2.0 at: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/node/node2.0.htm
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Web Publishing
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Definition: See "Publishing"
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Web Service Definition Language
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Definition: An XML format for describing Network services as a set of endpoints operating on messages. WSDLs are used to describe all of the messages exchanged between nodes on the Exchange Network. It is an XML-based language specification for defining a web service in computer readable form. WSDL files can be used to dynamically build an interface to a web service on the fly.
Acronym: WSDL
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Web Services
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Definition: A communication mechanism designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network. They make it easier to conduct work across organizations regardless of the types of operating systems, hardware/software, programming languages, and databases that are being used. Web services are automated information services that are conducted over the Internet, using standardized technologies and formats/protocols that simplify the exchange and integration of large amounts of data over the Internet. They make it easier to conduct work across organizations regardless of the types of operating systems, hardware/software, programming languages, and databases that are being used.
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World Wide Web Consortium
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Definition: The main international standards organization for the World Wide Web (abbreviated WWW or W3). It is arranged as a consortium where member organizations maintain full-time staff for the purpose of working together in the development of standards for the World Wide Web.
Acronym: W3C
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XML Namespace
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Definition: A collection of names, identified by a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) reference. Namespaces in XML documents provide processing context and prevent name collisions.
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XML Query Language
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Definition: A way to locate and filter the elements (data fields) and text in an Extensible Markup Language (XML) document. XML files are used to transmit collections of data between computers on the Web. XQL provides a tool for finding and/or selecting out specific items in the data collection in an XML file or set of files.
Acronym: XQL
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XML Registry
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Definition: The title of the repository of schema being utilized for Exchange Network exchanges. The registry is the official record of Schema, during different phases of development, for the use of all Network Exchange Partners.
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