[SIPForum-techwg] Notes from the TechWG Chairs on the SCOPE of SIPConnect 1.1

[Richard Shockey]

The SIP Forum models its technical working group procedures on the IETF
model, with some notable exceptions. The goal of the SIP Forum is not to
create new standards. The SIP Forum only makes the existing SIP standards
work in the real world and create recommendations that aid in the rapid
deployment of SIP applications.

In our original call for papers on 1/25/08, the SIP Forum Technical WG
chairs stated: "SIPconnect 1.0 defines a method for interconnection between
IP PBXs and VoIP service provider networks, and specifies a reference
architecture, required protocols and features, and implementation rules
necessary for seamless IP peering between IP PBXs and VoIP service
providers."

"With the formal adoption by the SIP Forum of the SIPconnect 1.0 Technical
Recommendation and rapid adoption of the SIPconnect Compliant program, there
is substantial interest in enhancing the work through an updated version of
the recommendation to SIPconnect 1.1."

"In order to assess the requirements, goals and potential milestones for a
proper task group charter it will be necessary to assess from the SIP
community what actually is needed."

The process of initial submissions to the SIPconnect v.1.1 effort created a
virtual BOF that scoped the boundaries of the problem of how to build on the
initial success of 1.0.

With that initial period of submissions over, it is time to more closely
define the scope of work based on the contributions.

Our overriding goal has been to define a scope that can be reasonably
implemented by vendors and service providers alike within 12 months. This
"go to market" focus weighs heavily on the scope of work for SIPconnect 1.1.

To this end, the TWG chairs have given the Document Editor some general
guidance on the scope of SIPconnect 1.1, while retaining considerable
latitude on reaching rough consensus.

Our conclusions are as follows:

A.	The overriding goal of SIPconnect 1.1 is to correct errors and
update protocol references in the ratified 1.0 specification. 
B.	The principal focus of SIPconnect 1.1 continues to be the deployment
of voice applications and the elimination of PRI interfaces between PBX
systems and service provider networks.
C.	Though it is understood that Unified Communications will clearly be
important in the future of SIP and enterprise communications, issues
surrounding the introduction of presence, video, IM et al. into SIPconnect
1.1 are out of scope with the exception that service providers not interfere
with end-to-end deployments of those applications.

We have recommended the CableLabs Proposal for SIPconnect 1.1 be used as the
baseline for a SIPconnect 1.1 Version 00 document. This signifies the start
of the real work. There will be additions, modifications and deletions based
on the work of the SIPconnect 1.1 Work Group. The entire document will
undergo discussion and review on the list to come to rough consensus. 

We are also beginning planning stages for a comprehensive face-to-face
meeting the week of September 8th, 2008 to comprehensively review the
progress and come to conclusion on any disputed issues. 

We are tentatively planning that meeting for Denver, Colorado at the
CableLabs HQ facility in Louisville near Boulder. Details to follow, but for
those of you that need time to get travel approvals in place or arrange your
calendars that week is probably what we would shoot for. 

We'd also like some guidance on whether to meet early in the week or later.
Typically with meetings in Denver the first day does not start until at
least 1 PM to permit East coast flyers same day flights and on the
concluding day ending by noon so east coast folks can get home before
midnight.

Of course we want comments and the discussion on 1.1 to continue and give
the Document Editor guidance on consensus.

We'll have some specific issues we need to collectively address shortly.

Richard Shockey
Director, Member of the Technical Staff
NeuStar
46000 Center Oak Plaza - Sterling, VA 20166
PSTN Office +1 571.434.5651 
PSTN Mobile: +1 703.593.2683
<mailto:richard(at)shockey.us> 
<mailto:richard.shockey(at)neustar.biz>