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IETF RFC 3844
IETF Problem Resolution Process
Last modified on Monday, August 23rd, 2004
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Network Working Group E. Davies, Ed.
Request for Comments: 3844 Nortel Networks
Category: Informational J. Hofmann, Ed.
Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin
August 2004
IETF Problem Resolution Process
 Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this
memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © The Internet Society (2004).
Abstract
This Informational document records the history of discussions in the
Problem WG during 2003 of how to resolve the problems described in
the IETF Problem Statement. It decomposes each of the problems
described into a few areas for improvement and categorizes them as
either problems affecting the routine processes used to create
standards or problems affecting the fundamental structure and
practices of the IETF. Expeditious and non-disruptive solutions are
proposed for the problems affecting routine processes.
The document also lists suggested ways to handle the development of
solutions for the structure and practices problems proposed in IETF
discussions. Neither the working group nor the wider IETF has
reached consensus on a recommendation for any of the proposals. This
document therefore has no alternative but to suggest that the search
for structure and practices solutions be handed back to the control
of the IESG.
While there was working group consensus on the processes for short-
term and medium term improvements, there was no working group
consensus on the proposals for longer-term improvements. This
document therefore includes longer-term improvement proposals only as
a matter of record; they must not be regarded as recommendations from
the working group.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. IETF Purpose and Core Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1. Non-Core Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Building on our Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Problem Decomposition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1. Decomposition of Mission Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.2. Decomposition of the Engineering Practices Problem . . . 7
4.3. Decomposition of the Complex Problems Problem . . . . . 7
4.4. Decomposition of the Standards Hierarchy Problem . . . . 8
4.5. Decomposition of the Engagement Problem . . . . . . . . 8
4.6. Decomposition of the Management Scaling Problem . . . . 9
4.7. Decomposition of the Working Group Practices Problem . . 11
4.8. Decomposition of the Preparedness Problem . . . . . . . 11
5. Process Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1. Improvements to Routine Processes . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.1.1. Suggestions to Improve WG Quality Processes . . 13
5.1.2. Suggestions to Increase the Use of Tools . . . . 14
5.1.3. Suggestions to Improve Training. . . . . . . . . 14
5.1.4. Suggestions to Increase WG Chair Communication . 14
5.1.5. Suggestions to Improve Maintenance of Standards. 15
5.2. Changing the Structure and Practices of the IETF . . . . 15
6. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Authors' Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Full Copyright Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1. Introduction
This document suggests processes to address several problems facing
the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that have been described
in the IETF Problem Statement [1].
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
This document begins with an outline of what are currently thought to
be the purpose and core values of the IETF, and it offers a reminder
of the good things about the IETF that we don't want to lose in the
process of solving our problems.
Each of the problems described in the problem statement is analyzed
and decomposed into a few areas for improvement. The areas for
improvement appear to fall into two categories:
o Areas that are essentially independent of the other problems and,
hence, can be addressed immediately, via discrete, minimally
disruptive changes or improvements to the 'routine' processes of
the IETF.
o Areas that are interdependent and are likely to affect structural
matters that characterize the way in which the IETF operates.
Addressing these areas will probably need a more integrated
approach, as they may require actions such as fundamental changes
to our organizational structure or standards-track processes.
It is suggested that the IETF work on these two classes of
improvements in parallel, so that we can enjoy some near-term
benefits while more structural improvements are being carefully
considered and executed.
Concrete suggestions are included for how we can begin or continue
work on the independent routine improvements.
Due to lack of consensus, no firm suggestions are included on how to
address the more structural changes that may be needed. The document
lists the various proposals which have been considered by the working
group and the wider IETF at the IETF 57 plenary session in Vienna,
July 2003. This document can only suggest, as some participants have
proposed, that the IESG itself control the development of any
solutions to the structural problems.
2. IETF Purpose and Core Values
As we consider how to address the problems with the IETF processes
and organizational structure, it is important to keep in mind the
things about the IETF that we don't want to change -- our sense of
purpose, and the core values that give the IETF its unique identity.
At two IESG plenary meetings in 2002, the chair of the IETF, gave
presentations outlining his view of the purpose and core values of
the IETF which may serve as a useful basis for focusing on our
mission and core values.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
At the IESG plenary in London in July 2002, it was stated that the
purpose of the IETF is to "produce high quality, relevant, and timely
technical standards for the Internet". Our organizational structure
and processes should be judged by how well they help us to achieve
that mission.
At the following IESG plenary in Atlanta, Georgia in November 2002,
five core values of the IETF were presented [8]:
"Cares for the Internet"
"Technically Competent"
"Open Process"
"Volunteer Core"
"Rough Consensus and Running Code"
2.1. Non-Core Values
Understanding our core values will also help us to understand the
long-standing features of the IETF that we can change without
compromising our values or sacrificing our unique identity.
During the November 2002 IESG Plenary, the IETF chair also presented
the following "non-core values" [8]:
- The division into WGs and Areas
- The three-step standards process
- The ASCII format for RFCs and I-Ds
- The format of IETF meetings
- The structure of WG mailing lists
- The powers of the IESG and IAB
These things were designed to help us achieve our goals in a way that
is consistent with our core values. If they are no longer effective,
we can and should change them.
3. Building on our Success
While focusing on our operational problems, we shouldn't forget that
the IETF is a very successful organization. We are responsible for
some of the most widely used communications standards in the world,
and we have contributed to the creation and growth of the Internet,
one of the greatest technical and social achievements of our time.
In good times, it is easy to succeed despite operational
inefficiencies, so organizations tend to ignore operational problems
and focus on their success. In bad times, organizations can become
overly critical of their own structure and processes, blaming the
organization for problems that are actually caused by outside forces.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
We are currently suffering difficult times in the IETF and throughout
the communications industry. The IETF should be careful not to
unjustly blame our own organizational structure or processes for the
effects of industry-wide changes such as:
o Economic issues in the global communications industry, which are
causing increased scrutiny regarding expenses and return-on-
investment. These same factors are causing job changes and
uncertainty for many IETF participants.
o The commercialization of the Internet, which has drastically
increased the financial impacts of standardization.
o The convergence of the datacom and telecom sectors of the
communications industry, which has led to an influx of experienced
people into the IETF with a different culture and industry
perspective.
Although it is important to recognize and correct the serious
organizational problems currently facing the IETF, many of these
problems have existed for years, and the IETF has been successful in
spite of these issues. We should not overreact to these issues with
sweeping revolutionary changes to the IETF structure and processes.
Instead, we should focus on developing a culture of continuous
operational improvement through which we can evolve our
organizational structure and processes to make them more scalable and
effective. We should take this opportunity to develop the mechanisms
and processes that we can use to continually monitor and improve our
organizational effectiveness, both in good times and bad times.
The IETF currently has a large amount of valuable work underway, and
care should be taken not to disrupt or delay that work while we
address our organizational problems.
The IETF is also fortunate to have a large number of extremely
talented and dedicated individuals that serve in formal and informal
leadership roles throughout the organization. We should be careful
not to alienate or disenfranchise the IETF's key contributors and
those who provide the driving force for the work while making
organizational or process changes.
4. Problem Decomposition
The problem statement document lists seven root cause problems
currently facing the IETF, without making any judgements about the
relative priority of the problems (apart from the first one):
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
o Participants in the IETF do not share a common understanding of
its mission;
o The IETF does not consistently use effective engineering
practices;
o The IETF has difficulty handling large and/or complex problems;
o The three stage standards hierarchy is not properly utilized;
o The IETF's workload exceeds the number of fully engaged
participants;
o The IETF management structure is not matched to the current size
and complexity of the IETF;
o Working group practices can make issue closure difficult; and
o IETF participants and leaders are inadequately prepared for their
roles.
Analysis of these problems indicates that they can be decomposed into
several areas for improvement, some of which can be addressed
immediately by independent actions while others require greater
consideration and a more structured approach to a solution.
It is also important to note that the problem statement lists
problems that have been reported by some members of the IETF.
Although all of these problems are believed to exist, not all of
these problems are present in all parts of the IETF, and some of
these problems may in fact be symptoms of other problems.
4.1. Decomposition of Mission Problem
In order to determine the best organization and processes for the
IETF to fulfill its mission and achieve its goals, the organization
needs to articulate a common understanding of its current mission and
goals. Although it should be possible to reach an understanding of
the mission and goals of the IETF as an independent action, with no
disruption to current processes, this effort would be most valuable
as part of an effort to align the organization and priorities of the
IETF with its mission.
As part of understanding our mission, the IETF will need to identify
our stakeholders and understand how we serve them. We will need to
define the scope of the IETF, so that it is possible to determine
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
what is in-scope and out-of-scope for the organization. We will also
need to define our goals and priorities, and learn how to recognize
and measure our own progress and success.
A continuing review of the mission and goals of the IETF needs to be
undertaken to ensure that they remain aligned with technology
developments as well as the needs of the industry in general and our
stakeholders in particular.
Once an understanding of the mission and goals of the IETF has been
articulated, we should train new participants on those principles, so
that they can become quickly acclimated to the IETF culture.
4.2. Decomposition of the Engineering Practices Problem
The IETF lacks effective engineering practices in four major areas:
1. Failure to clearly define the scope of the work, engineering
trade-offs and acceptance criteria for each project.
2. Lack of effective mechanisms for issue tracking and/or document
change control.
3. Lack of effective processes to ensure quality throughout the
development of IETF work items, such as intermediate acceptance
criteria or formal review processes.
4. Sufficient focus on milestones, and recognition or rewards for
individuals or groups that achieve timely, high quality
execution.
Some of these areas (issue tracking and revision control) would
require that tools are made available to WG chairs and editors, and
that IETF participants (at various levels) are educated in how to use
them.
The other areas concern the formation and process management of IETF
WGs, and would require documentation and adoption of effective
engineering processes within IETF WGs.
4.3. Decomposition of the Complex Problems Problem
The IETF has effective mechanisms for dealing with well-defined
problems of limited scope. These problems are well handled in IETF
WGs, where experts in a given technology can convene and solve the
problems specific to one technology area. However, we are much less
effective at resolving complex problems that affect more than one
IETF WG or area.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
Today most communication between WG chairs, especially across area
boundaries, goes through the IESG. Some inter-WG or inter-area
communication problems could be alleviated by greater communication
and coordination directly between the chairs of related WGs. There
are some immediate efforts underway that are intended to increase
communication between WG chairs.
Other complex problems involve higher-level issues, such as unified
architecture or highly-coordinated multi-area efforts. As part of
any IETF reorganization, we should consider management structures
that will allow us to achieve a better focus on architectural and
cross-area issues.
4.4. Decomposition of the Standards Hierarchy Problem
There are several problems with the IETF's three-track standards
process. These problems can be grouped as follows:
o The three standards-track steps are not used effectively within
the IETF.
o The IETF standards-track is not well understood by the users of
IETF standards.
o The current standards process does not make it easy for users to
locate a set of related documents, such as an architectural
framework and associated protocols.
o The IETF does not have an effective way to maintain IETF
standards.
Major changes to the standards-track should only be considered as
part of an integrated structural review process that includes an
understanding of our mission and goals.
However, there may be immediate changes that we could make to better
maintain current IETF standards, or to make them more accessible to
users.
4.5. Decomposition of the Engagement Problem
The engagement problem can be decomposed into three primary issues:
o Some WGs do not have sufficient participation, and WG documents
are often produced by very small groups of people, perhaps with
limited expertise in some relevant areas.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
o WG documents are not adequately reviewed by people outside of the
originating WG.
o People lose interest in longer-lived WGs, especially when
protocols take a very long time to develop.
When too few people, or people representing too few areas of
expertise, review WG documents this can result in poor quality
output. We need to find ways to increase the effectiveness of
document review at all levels.
Quality processes based entirely on a gatekeeper at the end, whether
that gatekeeper is the IESG or a WG review board, tend to result in a
lower focus on quality by other participants. So, it is likely that
instituting better quality processes throughout document development,
including acceptance criteria and review at several stages, would
increase the focus of WG participants on document quality.
When the interest of document editors or key contributors starts to
lag, this can cause serious problems for a WG. This most often
happens when WGs are floundering, or when charters are so loose that
WGs lose focus. It also happens when WG documents get delayed in AD
review and/or IESG review for long periods with little feedback, or
when the WG lacks consensus to progress its documents. Improvements
to our processes for chartering, tracking or managing WGs could help
to alleviate many of these problems.
We also need to better understand what motivates people to become
deeply engaged in the IETF and to remain engaged. It is possible
that expanding the number of formal leadership positions and/or
coming up with more effective ways to acknowledge our top technical
contributors could encourage more people to become, and remain,
deeply engaged in IETF.
4.6. Decomposition of the Management Scaling Problem
There are several issues grouped into the concept that the management
structure of the IETF is not well matched to the size and complexity
of the organization. One or two of these problems might be addressed
by immediate solutions, but resolving the primary problem will
require some type of IETF reorganization.
There are five major areas for improvement that are grouped under
this problem:
o The current organization of the IETF does not scale. IESG members
are running too many WGs, reviewing too many documents, etc. Most
IESG members have dozens of direct reports (WG chairs, directorate
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
members, etc.). In its current form, there are very few people who
could do a good job as an IESG member, and the huge time
commitment and responsibilities of this role make it very
difficult to find qualified people who are willing to serve on the
IESG.
o Current IESG members and other IETF leaders are overloaded.
o The IETF selection processes have tended to select leaders (IESG,
IAB and WG chairs) from the same small pool of people. The IETF
needs to identify and develop additional leadership, and to
delegate real authority and influence to a larger group.
o The IETF is not effective at identifying and developing new
leaders, and we lack sufficient recognition for the contributions
of IETF participants.
o One or two IESG members can block WG documents indefinitely (in AD
review or IESG review).
Some level of IETF reorganization is needed to improve in the first
two areas. This should be undertaken as part of the structural
improvement effort.
In parallel with any more structural IETF reorganization, some relief
could be achieved by modifying IESG internal processes to remove the
potential for one or two IESG members to indefinitely delay a WG
document, either on purpose or due to work overload. The I-D tracker
has already resulted in some improvement in this area, as it has
created visibility regarding how and why a document is being delayed,
but it may not have resolved all of the issues in this area.
The IESG may also be able to take near-term steps, with community
visibility and agreement, to delegate more work to WG chairs, to
directorates, to the IAB, or to other people in formal or informal
leadership positions. If additional leadership positions are needed
for this purpose, the IESG should consider creating them.
The IESG could also help to expand the leadership pool of the IETF by
actively seeking interested and qualified people for leadership
positions, and by using more open processes for the selection of WG
chairs and other influential positions.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
4.7. Decomposition of the Working Group Practices Problem
Although "rough consensus" is considered a core value of the IETF,
consensus-based decision making works best in smaller groups with a
common viewpoint and common goals. Somehow we need to resolve the
apparent conflict between our core values regarding rough consensus,
and our desire to be an effective organization with several thousand
participants.
Although consensus-based decision making has some inherent issues,
there are some problems in the IETF that exacerbate these issues:
o WG chairs may lack the skills and training to deal with common
behavior problems that undermine or prevent consensus.
o IETF participants are often unaware of how the IETF decision-
making processes are intended to work.
o WG chairs and participants often lack good conflict resolution
skills.
Each of these issues could be addressed through training or other
educational resources.
4.8. Decomposition of the Preparedness Problem
The IETF could benefit from training and educational resources that
increase the preparedness of IETF participants and leaders at all
levels.
The IETF currently has formal training programs for new attendees and
for new working group chairs. However, our current training programs
could use some improvement. There are also several other groups who
could benefit from training or other forms of development (web
tutorials, on-line resources, references, mentoring, etc.), including
continuing attendees, experienced WG chairs, document editors and
IESG members.
There is an effort underway to improve the IETF's internal education
programs, and we recommend that it be continued.
5. Process Recommendations
It is the overall recommendation of this document that we pursue
near-term improvements to resolve IETF problems of routine in
parallel with an integrated effort to reorganize the IETF and improve
our standards processes. None of the efforts suggested in this
document should be blocked pending the completion and publication of
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
this document. Ongoing efforts should continue, and new efforts
should start as soon as there is IETF consensus that they are
worthwhile.
In our improvement processes, we should attempt to focus our near-
term improvements on areas of routine that are less likely to be
substantially modified by any proposed structural changes, thus
minimizing the likelihood of double changes.
5.1. Improvements to Routine Processes
Many of the problems currently facing the IETF can be resolved, or
mitigated, through near-term improvements to our current IETF
organization and routine processes. Many of these improvements are
completely separable, and there is no reason to aggregate these
efforts into a single IETF WG. It is also unnecessary that all of
these changes be directed by the (already overworked) IESG.
However, in order to prevent the chaos and confusion that could be
caused by trying to change everything at once, it is recommended that
we choose a few high priority areas for improvement and focus on
making improvements in those areas.
In choosing which areas to pursue first, we should consider the
following criteria:
o We should address our most urgent, important problems.
o The areas chosen should be cleanly separable, to allow multiple
improvements to be carried out in parallel with minimal
interference.
o We should maximize the benefit vs. the cost of making the
improvements (i.e., look for low hanging fruit).
o As much as possible, we should focus on improvements that are less
likely to be completely invalidated by an overhaul of the IETF
management structure. This might be accomplished by focusing on
improvements at the WG and participant levels, rather than at the
IESG/IAB level.
In the sections above, we have identified several areas of routine
that could benefit from near-term improvements, including:
1. Improve WG quality processes and the effectiveness of document
reviews at all levels.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
2. Increase the availability and use of issue tracking and document
sharing/revision control software in the IETF.
3. Improve training and resources for IETF leaders and participants
at all levels.
4. Improved communication between WG chairs to identify and resolve
inter-WG and inter-area problems.
5. Consider IETF processes or structures to better maintain IETF
standards.
6. Modify IESG-internal processes to make it impossible for one or
two IESG members to indefinitely delay a document.
7. Modify IESG processes to delegate more responsibility to WG
chairs, to directorates, to the IAB or to people in other formal
or informal leadership positions.
8. Modify the WG chair selection processes to widen the group of
people considered, and consider ways to develop more leaders for
the IETF.
9. Initiate regular AD review of WG milestones and progress.
Applying the criteria outlined above, it would make the most sense to
address areas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 through immediate near-term efforts.
These are high-priority issues, they are sufficiently separable to be
pursued in parallel, they place minimal additional burden on the
IESG, and they are the least likely to be affected by an
IESG/IAB-level reorganization of the IETF, or by changes to the
standards-track document maturity level classification and process.
Specific recommendations for how to proceed in each of these areas
are made in the following sections.
The IESG should consider internal changes to address areas 6, 7, and
8. Area 9 would require a substantial time commitment from IESG
members, so it is not suggested that near-term improvements be
pursued in this area, unless the IESG believes that the near-term
benefits would justify the effort.
5.1.1. Suggestions to Improve WG Quality Processes
A working group should be formed in the General Area of the IETF to
oversee improvements to the WG quality processes, including: The WG
(re-)chartering process, the quality processes used by IETF WGs, and
the effectiveness of IETF reviews at all levels. It should be the
goal of this WG to improve the quality and timeliness of WG work
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
output. This WG would be chartered to resolve the non-tools-related
portions of the Engineering Practices problem (Section 4.2) the WG-
related portions of the Engagement Problem (Section 4.5), and the
non-training-related portions of the WG Practices problem (Section
4.7).
A great deal of efficiency and synergy can be achieved by adopting
common processes throughout an organization. However, it is a
strength of the IETF that WG chairs are given a great deal of
latitude to choose their own processes and tools, based on the size
and nature of their WGs. So, in general, processes and tools should
be made available to WGs and WG chairs, not forced upon them.
5.1.2. Suggestions to Increase the Use of Tools
Ideally, the proliferation of tools within the IETF would be
accomplished via grass-roots efforts, organized by participants
within the IETF. One example of this type of effort is the recent
adoption of Jabber for use during IETF meetings.
However, it is also possible that the IESG could designate functional
leaders for specific tools-related efforts and support those leaders
in organizing those efforts. It also might be helpful for the IETF
to set-aside some technical and systems resources, to make useful
tools available to WGs and participants throughout the IETF.
These efforts should resolve the tools-related portions of the
Engineering Practices problem (Section 4.2).
5.1.3. Suggestions to Improve Training
The current WG chairs and newcomer's training efforts should be
continued and expanded as appropriate to cover training for other
groups. This effort is expected to address the Preparedness problem
(Section 4.8), and the training-related portions of the Mission
Problem (Section 4.1) and the WG Practices problem (Section 4.7).
5.1.4. Suggestions to Increase WG Chair Communication
Some efforts are already underway to allow WG chairs to meet each
other, and to give them opportunities to establish communication
channels. These efforts include WG chair socials and training
sessions for experienced WG chairs. These efforts should be
continued.
The IESG could help to promote chair-to-chair communication by
encouraging direct communication between WG chairs when multi-WG
issues arise.
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
However, most of the responsibility for establishing effective
chair-to-chair communications channels lies with the individual WG
chairs. We should stop relying on the IESG to resolve inter-WG
issues, and start communicating with each other directly regarding
inter-WG issues.
These efforts may help to alleviate the Complex Problems problem
(Section 4.3), although a comprehensive solution to that problem
would probably require some changes to the IETF management
structures.
5.1.5. Suggestions to Improve Maintenance of Standards
The IETF should consider proposals to improve the way that IETF
standards are maintained. It might be possible for the IESG to
document and implement a mechanism to maintain IETF standards without
the need for a WG to enact this change.
This effort should address the maintenance-related portions of the
Standards Hierarchy problem (Section 4.4).
5.2. Changing the Structure and Practices of the IETF
A significant number of the issues that were identified in the IETF
Problem Statement appear to require alterations to the structure of
the IETF and/or the core practices which effectively characterize the
IETF. From the analysis in Section 4 the problems which might
require such alterations include:
o The Mission Problem (Section 4.1, [7]),
o the Complex Problems problem (Section 4.3, [3], [6]),
o the Standards Hierarchy problem (Section 4.4, [4]),
o the Management Scaling problem (Section 4.6, [6], [3], [2]), and
o The longer-term portions of the Engagement Problem (Section 4.5,
[5])
(Additional references on each item indicate associated documents
that may need to be updated as a result of this process.)
Poorly thought through changes to these areas could result in
irretrievable damage to the nature and effectiveness of the IETF, but
it seems essential that the necessary changes are identified and
accepted by the IETF community as quickly as possible. To achieve
acceptance by the largest possible number of IETF stakeholders, as
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RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
many of them as possible should be involved in the development of the
changes; the development and acceptance processes must be as open as
possible in line with normal IETF principles.
Development of the required changes under the aegis of a General Area
Working Group was extensively debated and a proposal was floated in a
previous version of this document. The proposal included a draft
charter for the working group. This way forwards has now been
rejected by the Problem working group because of
the perceived slow progress of such groups,
the difference in the nature of the problem from the usual
technical problems solved by IETF working groups and
the difficulty in achieving acceptance by all segments of the
community for work driven by a small group.
A proposal for coordination of the development of the structural
changes by a 'Strategy and Answers Panel' composed of delegates from
IESG, IAB, and ISOC plus a number of members from the wider IETF
community (forming a small majority of the panel) selected using the
nomcom selection process can be found in [9]. The selection process
was intended to create a panel which would represent the interests of
the whole IETF community and so build solutions that would be
acceptable to the whole community. This proposal has not received
extensive support from the Problem working group either.
Other proposals advanced in discussions are:
o Delegation of the development of solutions to a team of 'wise men'
appointed by the IESG.
o Development of solutions by a design team with final approval by
the IESG.
o Development and implementation of the solutions by the IESG.
Discussions of alternative processes on the mailing list, at the
Problem WG meeting at IETF 57 and in the IETF 57 plenary did not
reach a consensus. Indeed some contributors took the view that the
problems could be overcome without (major) structural changes.
Given the lack of consensus and the lack of additional responses to a
previous appeal for alternative suggestions, this document has to
fall back to asking the IESG to take responsibility for controlling
the development of solutions to the structural problems identified
where it believes they are necessary.
Davies & Hofmann Informational PAGE 16
RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
6. Conclusion
The IETF has problems, and we need to work to solve those problems,
both via focused immediate improvements and possibly via an
integrated effort to build an IETF organizational structure and
develop processes that can better handle our current size and
complexity.
However, the IETF is also an effective organization with a long
tradition of excellence, and core values that we don't want to
compromise in the course of improving our organization and processes.
So, any major changes undertaken in the IETF should include an
articulation of the IETF's mission and our core values, so that we
can ensure that we build an organization that can carry out our
mission working in line with our core values.
The Problem WG has not been able to come to a consensus on a process
that could address the structural changes that may or may not be
needed. This is perhaps in line with previous experience of the
discussion of high level concepts in the IETF - the organization is
in general much better at discussion of and achieving consensus on
detailed concrete proposals. This document has little alternative
but to suggest that the IESG control the development of solutions to
any of the structural problems where they feel that changes are
necessary.
In the meantime, this should not be seen as gating discussions on
actual solutions for these problems - for example, the active
discussions that are in progress on alternatives to the current
maturity level system for IETF standards. Authors of solutions
should bear in mind the points made in Section 3: Evolutionary
rather than revolutionary proposals are more likely to be acceptable,
and an orderly transition must be possible.
Working together, we can resolve the problems currently facing the
IETF and make the IETF an even more effective, successful, and fun
place to work.
7. Security Considerations
This document contains suggestions for processes that the IETF could
use to resolve process-related and organizational problems with the
IETF. Although the structure and quality of the IETF's processes may
have an affect on the quality of the IETF's security-related work,
there are no specific security-related issues raised in this
document.
Davies & Hofmann Informational PAGE 17
RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
Acknowledgements
The contents of this document were greatly influenced by members of
the Problem Statement WG editorial team: Rob Austein, Dave Crocker,
Elwyn Davies, Spencer Dawkins, Avri Doria, Jeanette Hofmann, Melinda
Shore, and Margaret Wasserman.
Previous versions of this document were edited by Margaret Wasserman,
who was responsible for the original structuring of the solution.
In addition to the editorial team, the following people have provided
useful feedback on earlier versions of this document: Harald
Alvestrand, Randy Bush, Brian Carpenter, Leslie Daigle, James Kempf,
John Klensin, John Loughney, and Keith Moore.
Normative References
[1] Davies, E., "IETF Problem Statement", RFC 3774, May 2004.
[2] Galvin, J., "IAB and IESG Selection, Confirmation, and Recall
Process: Operation of the Nominating and Recall Committees", RFC
2727, February 2000.
Informative References
[3] Alvestrand, H., "An IESG charter", Work in Progress, April 2003.
[4] Bradner, S., "The Internet Standards Process -- Revision 3", BCP
9, RFC 2026, October 1996.
[5] Bradner, S., "IETF Working Group Guidelines and Procedures", BCP
25, RFC 2418, September 1998.
[6] Internet Architecture Board and B. Carpenter, "Charter of the
Internet Architecture Board (IAB)", BCP 39, RFC 2850, May 2000.
[7] Harris, S., "The Tao of IETF - A Novice's Guide to the Internet
Engineering Task Force", RFC 3160, August 2001.
[8] IETF, "Minutes of IESG Plenary at IETF55, Atlanta, GA, USA", Nov
2002, <http://www.ietf.org/proceedings/02nov/slides/plenary-
2/sld4.htm>.
[9] Davies, E., Doria, A., and J. Hofmann, "IETF Structural Problems
Improvement Process", Work in Progress, September 2003.
Davies & Hofmann Informational PAGE 18
RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
Authors' Addresses
Elwyn B. Davies (editor)
Nortel Networks
Harlow Laboratories
London Road
Harlow, Essex CM17 9NA
UK
Phone: +44 1279 405 498
EMail: elwynd@nortelnetworks.com
Jeanette Hofmann (editor)
Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin
Reichpietschufer 50
Berlin 10785
Germany
Phone: +49 30 25491 288
EMail: jeanette@wz-berlin.de
Davies & Hofmann Informational PAGE 19
RFC 3844 IETF Problem Resolution Process August 2004
Full Copyright Statement
Copyright © The Internet Society (2004). This document is subject
to the rights, licenses and restrictions contained in BCP 78, and
except as set forth therein, the authors retain all their rights.
This document and the information contained herein are provided on an
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Acknowledgement
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Internet Society.
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IETF Problem Resolution Process
RFC TOTAL SIZE: 44841 bytes
PUBLICATION DATE: Monday, August 23rd, 2004
LEGAL RIGHTS: The IETF Trust (see BCP 78)
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