Terms of Reference

Note

The Working Group Terms of Reference provide guidance for the Working Group Executive on running the working groups. In all cases, if something arises that is not covered here, the executive will discuss it and add information to the terms unless any member of the executive feels it should be taken to the community as a whole or the OPeNDAP president/advisory board (to whom the executive reports).

Terms of Reference

This outline was provided by Denis Nadeau.

Background of the Working Groups

In open discussion at the February 2007 OPeNDAP Developer Meeting, agreement was reached on forming several OPeNDAP working groups (OWG). Each group was to have a specific focus, deliverables, timeframe, and a minimum membership of 3. An OWG executive would first formalize the OWG Terms of Reference and then charter each OWG for which a minimum number of members volunteered. A number of possible focus areas for OWG's were discussed.

Working Group Goals

Each OPeNDAP Working Group is established to apply members expertise in their focus area to produce specific deliverables or outcomes, as listed in the charter for the group.

Working Group Expected Outputs

Deliverables produced by an OWG fall into two categories. First, an OWG may produce software, either prototype or production. Second, an OWG may produce documentation including: Software specifications; Standard Operating Procedure documents; Best Practices documents; and Technical Notes. In some cases the OWG may reccommend that the ideas developed be taken to a more formal standards organization to be developed further.