I wanted to summarize where I think this discussion stands now:
1) SQL - Individuals can influence the SQL spec by renting cheap seats
from ANSI for $500/year. See
http://www.ansi.org/membership/overview/overview.aspx?menuid=2.
2) JDBC - Fortunately, the JDBC spec lead will continue to be a member
of our community. In addition, individuals can join the JCP for free.
See http://jcp.org/en/participation/membership.
3) DRDA - No-one has proposed a strategy for influencing DRDA.
I have emailed my contacts at the DBIOP Consortium, the body which
governs the DRDA spec. I asked them whether they would consider offering
Derby a cheap seat like ANSI, a scholarship, or some other creative way
to participate. I was told the following:
3a) The DBIOP Contortium doesn't offer cheap seats or scholarships.
3b) However, it might be possible for a Consortium member to act as
Derby's sponsor, advocating our proposals provided that our submissionis
were complete. So far this is just a possibility. I don't know how
likely it is.
Regards,
-Rick
Rick Hillegas wrote:
I would like to understand how the community influences the standards
which govern Derby:
1) SQL - I've been participating in Derby for a year now. Over the
past year I don't recall any discussion about a need to change the SQL
standard. We have proposed new language in rare cases not covered by
the ANSI volumes. However, I don't recall any attempt to contact the
SQL group and try to change their spec. Do we need to influence this
spec and if so, how do we propose to do so?
2) JDBC - There has been substantial discussion about the upcoming
JDBC4 spec.. Fortunately for us, the spec lead is a member of our
community. In several cases he has taken our viewpoint back to the
JDBC expert group and advocated our position. However, we don't know
who will lead the expert group for JDBC5. How do we expect to
influence the next rev of JDBC?
3) DRDA - Over the last year, I failed to get a Boolean datatype into
the DRDA spec. This stemmed from the internal dynamics and
pay-for-play nature of the spec's governing body, the DBIOP
Consortium. How do we expect to influence the DRDA spec?
If there's a general solution which covers all of these cases, that's
great. If we handle each spec differently, that's fine too. I'd just
like some discussion and guidance.
Thanks,
-Rick
