Publication of reference data

I understand that there will be some discussion about establishing a maintenance agency for SC4 reference data at the next SC4 meeting.

I think it would be useful for the TOG to agree a PLCS position on this that can be put forward by which ever PLCS TOG member will be at the meeting.

My view is:

1) PLCS intends to develop and publish reference data as a standard.

2) PLCS recognizes that a number of industries and projects will develop extensions to the standard reference data for their own purposes. This does not need to be made into a normative standard.

3) PLCS intends to make the standard reference data freely available. This includes the development, standardization, publication and subsequent use of the reference data.

4) PLCS intends to use a standardization organization that supports this model. Currently, OASIS bests fits this.

5) If ISO change their approach to allow pojnt 3), then PLCS will standardize the reference data though SC4 and the maintenance agency.

Obviously there are other issues in terms of the business model to support the maintenance and development of the reference data. I don't have an answer to that. But I am believe that charging people to use reference data will not provide sufficient funding and will add another barrier to the take up of the standard.

As I said, this is my opinion. What does everyone else think? Can the TOG agree a position on this and can someone who is attending the meeting present it?

I also believe that we should continue to put pressure on ISO to allow the SC4 standards to be freely available – but that is another topic J

Regards
Rob

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Rob Bodington
Eurostep Limited
Web Page: http://www.eurostep.com http://www.share-a-space.com
Email: Rob.Bodington@eurostep.com
Phone: +44 (0)1454 270030
Mobile: +44 (0)7796 176 401

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