The Open Group Governing Board
Standards Approvals Process

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Responsibility
3. Rules for Voting on Standards Approvals

1 Introduction

The Governing Board is responsible for overseeing the standards approvals process within The Open Group.

2 Responsibility

2.1 Scope

The Governing Board is responsible for reviewing proposals, and providing guidance and recommendations to the management of the Company as follows:-

1. Approving or disapproving of draft standards brought to the Board for approval:
   • Formal acceptance of specifications for publication as Open Group Standards;
   • Formal approval of references to Open Group Standards and third party consensus standards for addition to The Open Group Standards Information Base;
2. To review the Standards Process and periodically ratify it when changes are made
3. To promote shared understanding and effective communication between the Board and the Open Group and its Forums and Working Groups on technical matters.

3.2 Specific Activities

The responsibilities of the Governing Board related to the Standards Process include, but are not limited to the following specific activities:

• Continuously review the Standards Process to ensure that it remains the most effective way of progressing the objectives of The Open Group
  
• Approve fundamental principles which all Open Group programs are required to adhere, including but not limited to
  • Technical principles - Mandated technical aspects
  • Legal principles - Standards adoption criteria
  • Procedural principles - Technical procedures
    
• Establish objectives for the Technical Program, within overall Corporate Objectives
• Communicate the views of the Governing Board to the The Open Group management and staff, including
  • Likely future resource profiles (financial, meetings, human) during the planning process
  • Priorities
  • Decisions and rationale regarding proposed work programs
• Resolve/Escalate issues raised by The Open Group Forums and Working Groups:
  • Where an issue raised is covered by a previous Board resolution, advise the originator
  • Where an issue raised is not covered by a previous Board resolution, prepare a submission, including where appropriate an agreed proposal for approval by the Governing Board at their next meeting.
• Where there is no relevant Forum or Technical Working Group appoint the balloting group for a Fast Track Company Review.

3 Voting Rules for the Standards Process

All decisions for the Standards Process shall be taken in accordance with the voting policies of the Governing Board.

Voting may be in person, via teleconference or eMail.

Last updated: June 19 2006

Copyright © 2006 The Open Group, All Rights Reserved