RARE Multimedia Information Systems task force

[[e-mail]]

This message from Chris Adie (Edinburgh, UK) has just been sent to the
RARE ISUS WG (amongst others). Jill
.........................................................................

This message announces the formation of a MULTIMEDIA INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Task Force.  This is a joint task force of the following RARE working
groups:

  * Information Services and User Support (WG-ISUS)
  * Interactive Multimedia (WG-IMM)

The following is a draft charter for the task force.  The first business
of the TF is to firm up the charter and produce a workplan.  If you are
interested in accessing multimedia data across the network, please join
in!


1. OBJECTIVES

  * To determine user requirements for multimedia information services

  * To identify and recommend existing tools which may be used to provide
    these services.

  * To identify areas where existing tools do not satisfy requirements, and
    to propose how these gaps might be filled.

  * To publicise the facilities available and to encourage their use.


2. SCOPE

The scope of the task force is wide and includes:

  * Architecture and protocols for remote access to multimedia information

  * Promotion and development of specific applications in the area of
    networked multimedia information services

  * Tools for the collection and maintenance of networked multimedia
    information

  * Standards for multimedia data interchange


3. METHODS

To achieve the above objectives, the following means may be used:

  * Exchange and dissemination of knowledge and practical experiences 
    via an e-mail-distribution list

  * The devolution of work items to task force members

  * Liaison with network support staff from RARE, RIPE, EARN and EUnet
    communities, with appropriate IETF WGs, and with other interested
    groups


4. MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to anyone who wishes to join the mailing list.
To subscribe, send mail to  [e-mail]  containing in
the body of the message:

  JOIN MMIS Givenname Lastname

The address of the list (for submissions) is  [e-mail]  .

Membership is particularly encouraged from:

  * User Support Staff
  * Library and Information Experts
  * Information Providers
  * Application and Protocol developers


5. POLICY ON STANDARDS

The policy on standards follows the general RARE policy:

  * The task force should strive to pursue open standards where possible

  * Where such standards are not available, other solutions may be
    proposed

  * The task force should be constituted in such a way that it is a body
    acceptable for the purposes of having change control over Internet 
    standards documents


6. REPORTING

The task force will submit reports on progress to the RARE Working Groups
mentioned above.



Chris Adie                                   Phone:  [phone]
Edinburgh University Computing Service       Fax:    [phone]
University Library, George Square            Email:  [e-mail]
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ, United Kingdom