[sldev] Re: AWG - Scope (Future SL Architecture versus Multiworld Interoperability)

[Rob Lanphier]

Hi all,

There seems to be some confusion about what we're trying to achieve
here, where "we" is even a little fuzzy.  This is our attempt (Zero and
I) to express Linden Lab's viewpoint.

Some of the confusion may stem from the IBM/Linden Lab press release:
    http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/22428.wss

Near the end of that release, there are two paragraphs, one outlining
IBM's initial industry wide efforts, and one about our own AWG:

    (1) "IBM is actively working with a number of companies in the IT
and virtual world community on the development of standards-based
technologies. This week IBM hosted an industry wide meeting to discuss
virtual world interoperability, the role of standards andthe potential
of forming an industry wide consortium open to all. This meeting is
expected to also begin to address the technical challenges of
interoperability and required and recommended standards."
    
    (2) "Linden Lab has formed an Architecture Working Group that
describes the roadmap for the development of the Second Life Grid. This
open collaboration with the community allows users of Second Life to
help define the direction of an interoperable, Internet-scale
architecture."

#1 is an industrywide effort with many companies, including Linden Lab
and IBM, working as peers to develop a range of interoperable 3D virtual
world standards.  These may range from things like the "Universal
Avatar" project mentioned in the press release to something as
comprehensive as seamless integration between different kinds of virtual
worlds.   The timelines have not yet come into focus for this effort,
but we're enthusiastic participants in that process.

#2 is a group designed to create interfaces to open up the Second Life
Grid.  We believe this effort will be both compatible with and in
support of effort #1.  Linden Lab is running the AWG to drive our
development of opening up the Second Life Grid, and the group will need
to work within our constraints if it is to be successful.

You might want to consider participation in one or both efforts.  The
AWG effort is more narrowly focused, and the industrywide effort has the
potential for a much wider scope of solutions.

You'll note that Linden Lab is an enthusiastic member of both efforts,
so in either case, you're helping define the future of Second Life.

We'll discuss this and more at Tuesday's (and Thursday's) meeting.

Zero and Rob


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