Network Client Program
Background
The Open Group members are now engaged in the definition of the IT DialTone Architecture. At the Amsterdam Conference in January 1998, the members of the Desktop Program Group expressed an interest in refocusing their efforts on the IT DialTone Architecture. Therefore, it is appropriate at this time to dissolve the Desktop Program Group in favour of the formation of a new Program Group, the Network Client Program Group. The Network Client Program Group will complement the IT DialTone Architecture by addressing the IT DialTone client from both a presentation and user interaction services view as well as from a network and application support services view.
The New Group
The proposal is to launch a new Program Group by forming the Network Client Program Group at the San Diego Conference in April 1998. Julie Surer and Garry Paxinos have been nominated as Co-Chairs. The Architecture Board is expected to support the formation of this group from which it will receive a delegate.
The Network Client Program Group will encompass not only the activities of the former Desktop Program Group, but will also complement the IT DialTone Architecture by addressing the IT DialTone client from both a presentation and user interaction services view as well as from a network and application support services view. The Network Client Program Group as a whole will deal with a wide range of issues including:
- Presentation & User Interaction Services for rendering data and events on the network client for consumption
- Network & Application Support Services for capturing and translating interactions with the network client into data and events for consumption by the applications and services and to associate abstract representation and transfer of data and events between the network client and the applications and services
- Relevant Aspects of Management and Security
The purpose of the Program Group is to establish requirements for the User Interaction and Presentation and Data and Communication Services areas of the IT DialTone Architecture. Members of the group will work together to track relevant developments across these areas of the IT DialTone Architecture to understand the issues and articulate requirements. The Program Group will also be active in creating any additional projects needed to expedite the population of the architecture with conformant products.
In an evolving area such as the network client, it is important to be able to rapidly and effectively assess evolving technologies and identify opportunities and risks associated with adoption and deployment. Additionally, it is important to maintain interoperability with our current and legacy desktop technologies as our members have made significant investments in them. The Program Group, unlike a traditional user group, will also influence the evolution of technology through the Open Group process and the IT DialTone Architecture. In particular, the Program Group will work closely with the NC Specification Working Group, CDE/Motif Program, X Project Team and any other working group who is addressing and/or building technologies which may effect or impact the network client. This will provide members of the Network Client Program Group with an excellent appreciation of network computing, the technologies and standards, and practical advice on early implementation.
