Sample Principles¹

Data

1. Accuracy: Data must be accurate and collected in a timely way.
   
   
2. Security and confidentiality: Data must be safe from harm and, when confidential, accessible only to those with a "need to know."

Applications

3. Ease of use: Applications must be easy to use for both novice and expert users. Interfaces should be similar enough to present a reasonably consistent "look and feel."



4. Adaptability: Applications must be easily adaptable to changing functional and technical requirements.

Infrastructure

5. Use of the Internet: Wherever possible, secure use of the Internet as a wide-area network should be supported and encouraged.



6. Standards: Standards for information technology components should be developed jointly among the participants and reviewed at least once every 12 months.

Organization

7. Cost effectiveness: Information technology must contribute to the cost effectiveness of the systems and processes it supports, and must cost effective from the point of view of the organization as a whole.
   
   
8. Data Steward: Data stewards are responsible for ensuring the proper documentation, collection, storage, and use of data within their purvue.

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¹Based in part on material developed at the University of Pennsylvania