IAB/IETF standardization process

[Steve Coya <[e-mail]>]

IETF'ers,

Yesterday a new version of the IAB/IETF standardization process was placed in
the Internet-Draft repository (filename draft-iab-standards-processv2-02.txt).
This document reflects the new management structure as agreed by the IETF in
November 1992 and by the ISOC trustees in December 1992.

It includes a "better" definition of the new "prototype" status (revised
from the previous version of the draft), and a complete revision of the
"intellectual Property Rights" section.  This text has undergone legal
review, and has been approved by counsel to the Internet Society.

Note that some of the new text, describing the relation between IETF
and ISOC, was debated quite extensively inside the IAB and IESG.  In the
current redaction, the IETF is presented as an autonomous organization,
and only the IESG and IAB are tied to ISOC.  There is indeed a thin balance
between ISOC being a formal host for the standard process, and the willingness
to preserve the autonomy of the IETF -- not all IETF'ers perceived themselves
as ISOC members. The current draft is largely based on the ANSI experience
and the loose relation between ANSI and committees such as X3, T1, etc.

Instead of continuing a discussion in close circles, the IAB and IESG
decided to publish the current draft and solicit comments from the
community.  Remember, this is a draft.  Comments and suggestions welcome!
(Send comments to [e-mail])

Christian Huitema, Chair, IAB
Phill Gross, Chair, IETF