BOMOS

Introduction to BOMOS (In Dutch: Beheer- en OntwikkelModel voor Open Standaarden)

BOMOS (Management and Development Model for Open Standards) is a comprehensive framework that helps organizations develop and manage open standards and agreement frameworks effectively. Originally developed in the Netherlands, BOMOS has evolved over more than a decade to become a valuable resource for creating sustainable, open, and high-quality standards and frameworks.

What is BOMOS?

BOMOS provides a structured approach to the development, implementation, and management of open standards and agreement frameworks. It offers practical guidance, best practices, and tools that help organizations establish robust governance structures, ensure stakeholder engagement, and maintain the quality and relevance of standards over time.

The framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing organizations to tailor it to their specific needs and contexts. Whether you're developing a new standard from scratch or improving an existing one, BOMOS provides a solid foundation for success.

Key components of BOMOS

BOMOS addresses several critical aspects of standards management:

• Strategic management: Vision development, governance structures, financial models, and adoption strategies
• Tactical management: Community building, architecture development, and quality assurance
• Operational management: Documentation, implementation support, and version control
• Implementation support: Tools and resources to help organizations implement standards effectively
• Communication: Strategies for promoting standards and engaging with stakeholders

Benefits of using BOMOS

Organizations that adopt BOMOS can expect several benefits:

• Improved quality: A systematic approach to standards development ensures high-quality outcomes
• Enhanced stakeholder engagement: Clear processes for involving all relevant parties
• Greater transparency: Open and documented procedures build trust
• Sustainable management: Long-term viability through appropriate governance and financing
• Interoperability: Standards developed using BOMOS principles facilitate better system integration
• Common language: BOMOS provides a shared vocabulary that makes collaboration easier

BOMOS for agreement frameworks

While initially focused on open standards, BOMOS has expanded to include guidance for agreement frameworks (afsprakenstelsels). These frameworks establish rules for cooperation between multiple parties, enabling secure and reliable data exchange and service provision.

Agreement frameworks are crucial for digital ecosystems where different organizations need to work together seamlessly. Examples include eHerkenning (business authentication), MedMij (healthcare data sharing), and SBR (Standard Business Reporting).

The evolution of BOMOS

BOMOS has a rich history dating back to 2006 when a working group at Bureau Forum Standaardisatie first developed the concept. Since then, it has gone through several iterations:

• Version 1 was published in 2009
• Version 2 followed in 2010 after further refinement
• BOMOS2i was released in 2012, expanding the framework
• Around 2017, Logius further developed BOMOS by adding a standards framework
• Version 3.0.0 was published in 2022, providing an integrated starting point for users

Today, BOMOS continues to evolve through collaboration between various organizations involved in standards development and management, including Geonovum, Kadaster, KOOP, TNO, and Logius.

Getting started with BOMOS

To begin using BOMOS, organizations can access the publicly available documentation and tools. The framework includes an interactive assessment tool that helps identify improvement opportunities and suggests ways to implement them.

Logius offers support for organizations interested in applying BOMOS, including expertise on various aspects of standards and agreement frameworks, from technical considerations to governance and stakeholder management.

By adopting BOMOS principles, your organization can contribute to a more open, interoperable, and efficient digital ecosystem that benefits all participants.

Need help or more info?  Contact Logius