025a8b43ede3f6d4b0bf321d1e07edfb.ppt
- Количество слайдов: 12
Snippets of Data at a Glance: Using RSS to deliver statistics San Cannon Federal Reserve Board UNECE Work Session on Statistical Dissemination and Communication 13 May 2008 UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Data are everywhere! • This information explosion has made it more challenging for data providers to disseminate their information in a “useful” way. • This is partly because what is “useful” has changed drastically – printed compendia of data observations are no longer sufficient. • Even electronic distribution channels are undergoing changes. UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Changing world: pull vs. push • The proliferation of gadgets that deliver information means typical delivery methods are no longer sufficient. • Users want their content delivered to them rather than having to go get it. • Question: how to provide information to people when they want it? UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Data aren’t just for people • It’s no longer the case that a human is sitting at a computer looking at your website to get information. • Many “customers” of our data products are automated processes that “scrape” the pages to repackage the information. • Such repurposing means that data providers have no control over the information, how it is used, or how it is presented. UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
How can RSS help? • Really Simple Syndication (or Rich Site Summary) is XML that allows users to subscribe and then view the information when and where they like. • This mechanism provides an on-demand delivery method: information is available immediately but users can access it at their convenience. • It doesn’t do much to address the content control issue. UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Enter RSS-CB • A group of central banks began collaborating in 2005 on common XML representations of central bank information. (Then mostly SDMX. ) • We have expanded the scope and have created a technical specification for publishing central bank information in XML via RSS feeds. UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Why bother writing a spec? • We wanted to address the two sets of consumers in a way that basic RSS feeds don’t. • We have created specific metadata fields to clearly define the purpose of the information. • By providing structured information, we reduce the cost of using the information correctly thereby making it more likely that third party sites will “get it right. ” UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Relevance to data? • RSS provides timely access to information. • For many central bank statistics, getting the information right away is important. • Why not publish statistics as RSS feeds? This would provide immediate access to important information without downloading data files, opening PDFs, or using a browser. UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Voila! RSS-CB for data • Allows simple access to a single observation (e. g. FX rates, CP rates, etc. ) • Provides timely delivery without the burden of screen scraping or application development. • Novelty: Feeds violate the general principle that “more data are better” UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
Actual data feeds in RSS-CB • • Bank of Canada European Central Bank of Finland Bank Negara Malaysia Banco de Mexico Federal Reserve Board New York Fed UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008
But we’re not done yet: • Work continues on the specification: http: //www. cbwiki. net • The Board is increasing its RSS offerings this fall. • Questions? Comments? Thanks for listening. San Cannon scannon@frb. gov (202) 452 -3710 UNECE DISSCOMM 13 May 2008