The ARB approved NIHRFC0034 “NIH Primary Email Address” Standard
What is an NIHRFC? NIH Request for Comments (NIHRFC) is a process that enables anyone at NIH to convene a working group to establish a technology or information standard at NIH. For more information, click here to check out the information on NIHRFC’s available on the EA website.
What does this document mean to me? The NIH Primary Email Address Standard defines a standard syntax for the primary reply-to email address for a person as represented by Central Email Service (CES) at NIH as
- givenName.Surname[numeric-qualifier]@nih.gov
- E.g., John Smith: "John.Smith@nih.gov" or "John.Smith2@nih.gov"
One of the main objectives raised was regarding the loss of Institute or Center (IC) specific branding by removing the IC identifier from the email address. Please see the image below which describes the justification for why this is not an issue.
How does this document help me? This standard:
- Ensures the portability of the new Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) -12 ID badges as people transfer between ICs
- Eliminates the need to update LISTSERVs as people transfer between ICs
- Improves IT security by no longer publicizing the user’s account name (e.g., no longer: "jsmith@mail.nih.gov");
- All new email accounts will be required to follow the standard
- Any existing email accounts are recommended, but not required to switch to the standard
- Aliases, not following the standard, e.g., "John.Smith@institute.nih.gov", are permitted
How do I learn more? Please click here to learn more about this standard and other published NIH standards. If you have any questions please contact EnterpriseArchitecture@mail.nih.gov.
