Benefits of Compatibility

Association with FamilySearch

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch has been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,600 family history centers in 132 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

FamilySearch is developing a technical platform to facilitate the development of more innovative and collaborative software products that leverage genealogical data and technical services. The purpose of the platform is to increase the number of contributors and relevant online conclusions, historical records, and media available to identify ancestors and gather artifacts that assist in telling their stories. This platform includes many large searchable databases, recommended standards and best practices, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), helpful support, training, websites, and sample code.

FamilySearch's API is based upon the evolving Gedcom X specification which includes models for Conclusions, Source Metadata, Contributor Metadata, large field-based Record Extraction Model, and definition for RESTful Web Services. This platform has endpoints based on the Gedcom X specification and other important endpoints that will facilitate cooperation across multiple vendors products by using common interfaces for discussions, watch and notify, sharing sources, and other future collalboration tools.

Compatible Publicity

Vendors with solutions that have compatible features can use the "FamilySearch Compatible" Logo on the product packaging, website, and marketing literature. Click here to read more about usage. Additionally, vendors can use the "FamilySearch Compatible" Logo as a click-thru graphic for a designated page on the FamilySearch website where products will be listed with compatible features. FamilySearch will promote compatible solutions through the Solution Gallery and other marketing activities. A "FamilySearch Compatible" solution vendor is not a Compatible vendor but is a company that has a compatible solutions.

Partner software apps and websites can be listed in the FamilySearch Gallery. Special recognition is given to solutions that are compatible with FamilySearch for data access, update, and LDS features. All listed solutions are easily browsed by category, platform, price, and language. Each listed solution links directly to the vendor's website.

Qualifications

All listed apps must undergo a business and marketing review. The candidate app partner must be an on-going entity with a business purpose and product plan including a roadmap and projected number of new users. The partner must have a website even if the partner is not offering a web app. The website must have a landing page specifically for traffic coming from FamilySearch that includes the following features.

Family History Centers

Companies who provide FamilySearch compatible products may agree to provide free versions of their products through a worldwide distribution network of Family History Libraries (FHL) and Family History Centers (FHC). Special requirements are set for both web and Microsoft Windows applications. This is one of the best ways to get exposure for FamilySearch compatible products.

Web Solution Qualifications

Participating companies websites must have a landing page specifically for traffic coming from FHCs that recognizes FHC proxy IP addresses and redirects to the free services web page. The FHC proxy IP addresses will be provided upon approval of access from FHCs.

Window App Qualifications

Microsoft Windows apps to be distributed through FHCs require a splash screen or warning notice that indicates this version of the company solution through computers in FHCs and FHLs. There should be a streamlined and “quiet” process for installing and updating versions of the software so that FamilySearch’s automatic distribution system can be properly utilized. “Quiet” mode is a required option for MSI Exec that makes installation possible without user interaction. Companies must post the version of their latest release in a text file on their web page. The URL does not have to be the same for each company, and can be stored anywhere as long as the INI file has a static URL so a script can always get it from the same location. The .ini file needs to contain the file names, file versions and release date(s). It may also include an MD5 hash and size for each file. Technical details on the .ini file and support can be provided.

Email, Conferences, Branding

Email Campaigns

FamilySearch has the option to share newsworthy new and updated products in announcements, newsletters, and blog postings for FamilySearch employees, directors of Family History Centers, Family History Consultants, and users of FamilySearch.org that have opted in for email communications.

Conferences

RootsTech is the largest genealogy conference in the United States. Over 6000 attendees came in 2016. FamilySearch is preparing to invite families and youth to increase the attendance in 2016. When Familysearch adds streaming capabilities to hundreds of Latter-day Saint meeting houses and Family History Centers throughout the country, over 80,000 viewers are expected. RootsTech is the best place to showcase compatible products as an exhibitor or through classes, presentations, and unconferencing sessions. Handouts and speakers are often available from FamilySearch at all regional conferences to promote third-party products throughout the year.

Branding

Vendors of compatible products can display the "FamilySearch Compatible" logo on their product, website, and marketing material. FamilySearch can promotes the value of compatiblity through this logo, also encouraging the public to consider certified products first as they have been tested for quality and compliance with FamilySearch compatible requirements. These logos, when placed on websites, will link directly to the FamilySearch products page so that the customer can verify the compatible status

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