TLD-WG Draft TOR

RIPE TLD-WG -- Draft Terms of Reference (TOR) -- September 1997


Aim Of The WG
	The aim of the TLD-WG is to initiate and enhance coordination of
	nTLDs within the RIPE geographical area. This increased coordination
	should lead to increased stability, effectiveness and uniformity of 
	procedures within top level domain environs. Coordination will be 
	done by means of discussion, consensus building regarding action
	points, and the monitoring of any actions carried out.


Who Can Participate In The WG?
	In accordance with RIPE principles the WG is open to all parties
	administering nTLDs or wide area IP networks within the RIPE area, 
	and those who have an interest in such matters. There is no formal 
	membership of RIPE or of the TLD-WG.  Specifically it is desired
	that all RIPE area nTLD administrators actively participate in 
	the WG.


How To Participate In The WG
	The working group will communicate by means of an open mailing 
	list <tld-wg at ripe.net>.  This list is managed by majordomo at ripe.net.
	In addition the WG will physically meet three times a year at the 
	RIPE meetings. These meetings will be open to all RIPE meeting 
	attendees not just WG members. They will be chaired by the TLD-WG 
	chair and minutes will be published on the RIPE NCC web site 
	<http://www.ripe.net/>.

	NOTE: A list of RIPE area nTLDs can be found at Appendix A.


Relationships With Key Organisations
	The WG needs to develop and/or maintain relationships with all 
	key TLD related organisations. These include but are not limited 
	to IANA, RIPE NCC, ITU, CORE, POC, PAB, and any pertinent 
	governmental regulatory bodies. The exact form these relationships 
	would take on are a discussion point for the WG.


TLD Coordination Project Activity
	The WG should discuss, form, and direct a TLD coordination project.
	The location, size, and scope of the project is to be decided. The 
	aims of this project would be to:
		- carry out the actions decided upon by the WG
		- act as a focus point for relational contacts
		- give regular updates of actions undertaken
		- give regular reports of developments in the TLD arena


Policies Of The WG
	Here follows a framework of policies for the WG. Policy details 
	can be found in the WG workplan.
		- To promote harmonization of registration policies and 
		  practices by publishing recommendations.
		- To give input to actions carried out by TLD coordination 
		  project.
		- To design a framework for physical representation of the 
		  WG to relevant organisations and at important TLD meetings.
		- To provide a forum for the sharing of experiences.
		- To promote the independence and stability of relevant 
		  organisations necessary to the stability of the root 
		  domain and of the DNS as a whole, and to look at ways to 
		  improve the present situation.
		- To clarify and harmonise RIPE area conflict settlement 
		  procedures.
  
[End RIPE TLD-WG -- Draft Terms of Reference (TOR)]





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