ICANN News Alert - ICANN to Manage Time Zone Database
I don't think this has been notified to the list? On 30 September Astrolabe Inc filed action for alleged copyright infringement against the voluntary maintainers of the TZ database. Details at: www.scribd.com/doc/67760407/ASTROLABE-INC-Vs-ARTHUR-DAVID-OLSON-and-PAUL-EGG ERT-Complaint ICANN has just released the following statement at: www.icann.org/en/news/releases/release-14oct11-en.pdf ICANN to Manage Time Zone Database The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today took over operation of an Internet Time Zone Database that is used by a number of major computer systems. ICANN agreed to manage the database after receiving a request from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The database contains time zone code and data that computer programs and operating systems such as Unix, Linux, Java, and Oracle rely on to determine the correct time for a given location. Modifications to the database occur frequently throughout the year. "The time zone database is used by a large number of commercial operating systems and the software applications," said Russ Housely, chairman of the IETF. "Incorrect time zone information will impact many everyday activities, including meeting and conference call coordination, airplane and train schedules, physical package delivery notices, and astronomical observatories." For nearly three decades, the TZ Database had been maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers, in particular, Arthur David Olson at the US National Institutes of Health. Olson coordinated the group, managed the data, and created a platform for their release. Olson's announced retirement prompted the IETF to turn to ICANN to ensure continued operation of the database. "The Time Zone Database provides an essential service on the Internet and keeping it operational falls within ICANN's mission of maintaining a stable and dependable Internet," said Akram Atallah, ICANN's Chief Operating Officer. <end>
I had not yet sent any messages to the list about this, as there is not yet anything certain to say. People here can largely ignore the press release, there is no actual intent to change anything that we have been doing, except perhaps to provide another (and perhaps more long term stable) home for releases to be made available (and possibly the home for a more open repository of some form). What use we make of all of this will be decided here, just as was always planned when this process started after Arthur indicated that he planned to retire, and requested that we start the process of finding a plan for the future. Part of this will be (eventually) to select a co-ordinator for the project - there's no need to rush into anything right now, we don't even know yet whether Arthur will return to the project after the legal issues are sorted out. Again, all this is just continuing the process started way back in August, 2009. There's no question but that the events of the past week or so have added some impetus to the process, but that's all. I have been in communication (a little indirect for now, but it is happening) with IANA / ICANN people, who I believe have also had some contact with Arthur. When there is anything more substantial to report, I'll certainly let everyone know. kre
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dr.hingston -
Robert Elz