Revised rules for UBL localization subcommittees

[jon.bosak@sun.com]

Hello UBL TC,

In reviewing our existing rules for UBL localization
subcommittees, I was reminded that OASIS management suggested a
few changes that we never got around to approving.  I'm hopeful
that we will be forming a couple of new LSCs in this production
cycle, so I'd like to get closure on this.

The last set of rules we approved can be found here:

   http://lists.oasis-open.org/archives/ubl/200311/msg00006.html

For your convenience, I reproduce them below:

/=================================================================
| RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF UBL LOCALIZATION SUBCOMMITTEES
| 
| 1. Each UBL localization subcommittee shall operate in its target
|    language and shall meet on a schedule optimized for members
|    working in the target language.
| 
| 2. UBL localization subcommittees shall report in English every
|    month by mail to the general UBL members list and quarterly at
|    UBL TC meetings.
| 
| 3. The essential tasks of a UBL localization subcommittee shall be
|    as follows:
| 
|    a. To translate UBL specifications and documentation into the
|       target language.
| 
|    b. To create language-specific lookup tables (vocabulary
|       reference guides) for UBL element and attribute names.
| 
|    c. To propose extensions to UBL to accommodate local legal and
|       business practices.
| 
|    d. To assist the UBL Forms Presentation Subcommittee in the
|       creation of language-specific formatting specifications.
| 
| 4. UBL localization subcommittees shall additionally be authorized
|    (but not required) to perform the following functions:
| 
|    a. Build and maintain a UBL web site in the target language.
| 
|    b. Publicize UBL in the target language.
| 
|    c. Hold workshops and other activities in the target language.
| 
|    d. Conduct studies of actual and potential UBL use in the
|       target locale for input to the UBL TC.
| 
| 5. In all respects not covered by these special rules,
|    localization subcommittees shall be bound by the standing rules
|    for UBL technical committees.
\=================================================================

In a message to me dated 13 November 2003, Karl Best, representing
OASIS, suggested changes to sections 4 and 5 as shown here in
square brackets:

/==================================================================
| 4. UBL localization subcommittees shall additionally be authorized
|     (but not required) to perform the following functions:
| 
|     a. Build and maintain a UBL web site in the target language [within
|        the oasis-open.org domain].
| 
|     b. Publicize UBL in the target language [while coordinating with
|        OASIS Communications staff as appropriate].
| 
|     c. Hold workshops and other activities in the target language.
| 
|     d. Conduct studies of actual and potential UBL use in the
|        target locale for input to the UBL TC.
| 
| 5. In all respects not covered by these special rules, localization
|     subcommittees shall be bound by the standing rules for UBL technical
|     committees [and all OASIS Policies (e.g. TC Process, IPR Policy,
|     Media Relations Policy)].
\==================================================================

I can see some other changes we might like to make at this point:

 - The curent Human Interface SC (HISC) performs the functions of
   the old Forms Presentation SC (FPSC) referred to in section
   3(d) above, so I would suggest making that change.

 - I'd also suggest that we recognize current practice by changing
   section 2 to require only the reports at face-to-face UBL
   meetings and other reports by email only if there is anything
   substantive to report.

 - And I'd recognize the evolution of the "language-specific
   lookup tables" referred to in 3(b) into what we know now as the
   UBL International Data Dictionary.

I'm going to let this sit for a few days to see whether there is
anything else to change and then try to propose something to you
formally following next week's Atlantic TC call.  Let me know if
you have any additions or further edits.

Jon Bosak
Chair, OASIS UBL TC