Data Transfer Service transitionThe DTS transition explained

presented by Simon Richards and Stuart Baskerville

What is DTS?

• DTS is a secure application-to-application messaging service

• In operation for ten years under the BT Spine contract

Who uses DTS?

• The main users of DTS are general practices and pathology departments

• Other users include:– HSCIC Exeter systems– National screening services– National HSCIC services e.g. CQRS and GPES– 111 services– Ministry of Defence sites– Transfer of Care (discharges)

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Key facts about DTS

• 12 million messages exchanged every month

• 7500 active accounts• Current BT contract

for DTS ends on 30 June 2016

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DTS replacement - MESH

• Messaging Exchange for Social Care and Health

• HSCIC managed service• Functional replacement of DTS• Use of robust, secure and modern Spine

infrastructure

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The engagement story so far…

• Discussions with system suppliers, including key GP, pathology and other DTS users

• Direct communications and support being provided to service users who manage their own DTS arrangements

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Managing the transition

• Test phase for system suppliers started in November 2015.

• Original plan was for parallel running of DTS and MESH services till the end of the BT Contract 30 June 2016

• Gradual six month transition window

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New Transition Approach

• DTS Adapter developed to remove the need for a parallel running phase for DTS and MESH

• Switch over at of the central services at the end of January 2016

• DTS Client will then be able to connect to the HSCIC MESH Central Server

• Continue to plan for transition to MESH client from DTS Client by 30 June 2016

• MESH client available via HSCIC website• MESH client rollout from February

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N3

DTS Server

Trust GPTLS TLS

MESH Server

DTS and MESH

DTS Adapter

Introducing the MESH client

• Utilises DTS principles and processes• Java based client (JVM 1.7)• Supported on Windows (XP, Vista, Windows

7, Windows 8, Server 2003 and Server 2008), Linux, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX

• Wizard-based installation• Command-line support• Run as a service

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RATS now MOLES

• MESH OnLine Enquiry Service• Functional replacement for RATS• Smartcards will be required to access the new service• User/organisation administration• Message tracking – DTS and MESH• API

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MESH Server API

• New feature with MESH• HTTP based API• Enables suppliers to integrate directly with

MESH • Replaces MESH/DTS client• Available to test• Specification available

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Next Steps…Testing

• Environment Available for Testing• Testing of:

– MESH client – DTS client with the adapter– MOLES– Message Tracking API– MESH Server API

• Further details at http://systems.hscic.gov.uk/ddc/DTS/test-client

• Issues raised via the SA Service Desk – sa.servicedesk@hscic.gov.uk

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Summary

• Function replacement no redevelopment required

• Message tracking in MOLES (smartcard required)

• Testing available now

mesh@hscic.gov.ukhttp://systems.hscic.gov.uk/spine/DTS

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