This page explains how the content of a service description relates to the content of a formal arrangement (e.g. a service level agreement).

Introduction

Term	Definition
Service description	Information needed in order to use, or consider using, a service.
Formal arrangement	An agreement, formally established between the Service Provider and the Service Consumer, to define the conditions for the provision of a Service.
Service level agreement	A type of formal arrangement, typically to define agreed level(s) of specific conditions (e.g. quality of service (QoS)).

Characteristics:

Term

purpose

produced by

used by

concerns

contains

can be registered

Service description

in order to use a service

consider using a service

service provider

all service consumers

service instance

service metadata

yes

Formal arrangement

contract when using a service

agreement of service provider and service consumer

specific service consumer (and service provider)

service instance

agreements

no

Purpose and usage

The "formal arrangement" that covers the provision of an information service is specific to the service provider and its service consumer. The same information service can be offered by the same provider to different consumers on different conditions.

The formal arrangements can take different forms e.g.

a detailed, individualised contract
a service level agreement (SLA)
a memorandum of cooperation
an online tick-box agreeing to a set of conditions

The agreement of the formal arrangements can be as simple as checking a box or a complex process involving certification, approval of the use of the service by a strategy board, etc.

The series of regulations to be taken into account differs depending on the type of formal arrangement. As the range of regulations to take into account is large, it is difficult to give generic advice and to map the content of a service description to the content of the "formal arrangements".

Using service descriptions

A service description describes the service instance in a way that can be understood by all potential service consumers. It is not a contract and it can be updated by the provider over time as the service evolves.

However, the content of a service description can inform the negotiations of the "formal arrangement". Typical content that can be used to inform the negotiations are the quality of service, the source of information, and the access and use conditions (e.g. cost).

The formal arrangement may be different from the content found in the service description.

Example

SWIM-SERV-180 Quality of service concerns the quality of service that is offered.

A service provider may e.g. state that availability of the service is on "best effort" rather than provide a precise figure in the service description.

It is possible to update the service description within the European SWIM Registry to give a figure at any time. This updated service description becomes available to all potential service consumers.

The "best effort" or precise figure is used to inform negotiations between the service provider and specific service consumers but it can be changed during the negotiations.

Regulated content

Examples of the type of regulations and specifications to be taken into account in reaching the formal arrangements:

Diagram

The following diagram contains the formal arrangements to show its overall relation with the other SWIM service artefacts:

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