UFDEF

UFDEF stands for Unified Data Exchange Framework, a term used in information technology to describe a family of standards and specifications intended to enable interoperable data exchange across organizational boundaries. It envisions a single, extensible data model coupled with interoperable transport and tooling.

Key components of UFDEF include a core data model with typed entities and relationships; a set of adapters or bindings to map the core model to common formats (such as JSON, XML, and CSV) and to legacy systems; a transport layer enabling RESTful, queue-based, or streaming communication; and a validation and conformance suite to verify data integrity and policy compliance. The framework is designed to support modular extension, enabling organizations to adopt only the parts relevant to their use cases while preserving interoperability.

Governance and status: The UFDEF effort is led by an international consortium including standards bodies, industry groups, and academic partners. Work is organized into several working groups focusing on data modelling, security and privacy, transport, and conformance. Pilot deployments and demonstrations have been reported in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain, illustrating potential benefits in data interoperability, governance, and auditability.

Variants and note: UFDEF is an acronym that can refer to multiple initiatives in different domains. The most widely discussed use describes the Unified Data Exchange Framework, but other organizations may employ the UFDEF acronym for distinct standards or programs. When encountering the term, readers should rely on context to identify the specific UFDEF being referenced.