ObjectWeb V2 FAQ

Please suggest a Question, help refine the Answers by contacting Cedric Thomas (cedric.thomas AT objectweb.org)

Questions

1. What is ObjectWeb?
2. How do you define middleware?
3. What is ObjectWeb V2?
4. Is ObjectWeb about technology or marketing?
5. When will ObjectWeb V2 be launched?
6. How can I participate in ObjectWeb V2?
7. Who can Join ObjectWeb V2?
8. Can I join ObjectWeb V2 as an individual?
9. Are membership categories different in ObjectWeb V2
10. Do all members pay the same fee?
11. What is the actual cost of being a Strategic Member?
12. Will current ObjectWeb members automatically become members of ObjectWeb V2?
13. What is an Initiative?
14. Which Initiatives are supported by ObjectWeb?
15. What is a Local Chapter?
16. Does ObjectWeb recommend a specific open source license?
17. Does ObjectWeb accept the dual licensing business model?

Answers

1. What is ObjectWeb?

   ObjectWeb is a Consortium for open source middleware whose main goal is the development of a distributed software infrastructure for large scale information networks. ObjectWeb's mission is to develop open source middleware and to foster a vibrant community and business ecosystem.

   
   

2. How do you define middleware?

   The focus on middleware contributed to the success of ObjectWeb V1. In a distributed computing system, middleware is defined as the software layer that lies between the operating system and the applications on each site of the system (see: http://middleware.objectweb.org). ObjectWeb focus is on Middleware at large, i.e. including tools for the development, deployment and management of distributed applications.

   
   

3. What is ObjectWeb V2?

   ObjectWeb V2 is the new version of the ObjectWeb consortium. A new consortium agreement was necessary because the one currently governing ObjectWeb ends on December 31, 2006. This was the occasion to address some limitations of the current agreement. For instance, ObjectWeb is not yet an independent organization, it is really a joint project launched by its original cofounders (Bull, France Telecom and INRIA) hosted by INRIA. In this configuration, ObjectWeb lacks resources and is not scalable.

   
   

4. Is ObjectWeb about technology or marketing?

   ObjectWeb is a platform where software developers cooperate to jointly develop open source middleware. ObjectWeb is not in the business of marketing software and does not intend to become a new software vendor. ObjectWeb members however may market middleware software products on a commercial basis.

   
   

When will ObjectWeb V2 be launched?

Object Web V2 is scheduled to be launched on January 1, 2007. This date has been chosen because the consortium agreement which defines ObjectWeb as it is known today (or ObjectWeb V1) will end on December 31, 2006.




5. How can I participate in ObjectWeb V2?

   ObjectWeb V2 is still in the making. Currently we need help essentially to:

   • develop the Initiatives,
   • finalize the Intellectual Property Right policy,
   • write the Book of Procedure,
   • develop membership.

   Please see http://v2.objectweb.org or contact Cedric Thomas, ObjectWeb V2 Task Force Lead (cedric.thomas AT objectweb.org).

   
   

6. Who can Join ObjectWeb V2?

   Membership in ObjectWeb V2 is open to all types of organizations including commercial, educational and governmental organizations, as well as individuals. Any entity which can sign the Membership Agreement can become a Member.

   
   

7. Can I join ObjectWeb V2 as an individual?

   Yes. ObjectWeb V2 has defined a membership category specifically for individuals. You must sign and return the Individual Membership Agreement when we make it available, in Q4 2006.

   
   

8. Are membership categories different in ObjectWeb V2?

   Yes. ObjectWeb currently has two categories of membership: Corporate Members and Individual members. ObjectWeb V2 instead has three categories of membership: Strategic Members, Corporate Members and Individual Members. The dues, rights and duties of all categories as currently defined by the task force and endorsed by members attending ObjectWeb V2 Inaugural Workshop in July, 2006. (see: http://v2.objectweb.org/membership-categories.html)

   
   

9. Do all members pay the same fee?

   No. Companies are segmented in two categories: Small and Medium-Sized Organizations (SMORGs) and Large Organizations (LORGs) as defined by the European Commission (http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/n26026.htm). Individual members join free of charge. Annual fees are €30,000 for LORGs and €3,000 for SMORGs. Membership is free of charge for Individuals.

   
   

10. What is the actual cost of being a Strategic Member?

    Strategic Members are LORGs which commit their dues for three years as well as two persons full time to help run the organization.

    
    

11. Will current ObjectWeb members automatically become members of ObjectWeb V2?

    No. Current ObjectWeb members will have to sign a new Membership Agreement. Current ObjectWeb Membership Agreement will not be acceptable for ObjectWeb V2 since it will be governed by a new set of bylaws.

    
    

12. What is an Initiative?

    An Initiative is a joint effort by companies aiming at facilitating technology integration between projects and helping build business synergies between companies targeting a market need. An Initiative is launched and driven by one or two Strategic Members. Corporate members are welcome to participate in an Initiative Management Team and can be invited to co-lead an Initiative.

    
    

13. Which Initiatives are supported by ObjectWeb?

    ObjectWeb is currently developing the ESBi Initiative. This Initiative has been used as a model to plan five more Initiatives which were proposed by ObjectWeb members. Therefore Object Web V2 should be launched with six Initiatives:

    • ESB Initiative
    • Telco Initiative
    • E-Government Initiative
    • Business Intelligence Initiative
    • Embedded Software Initiative
    • ONESSI Initiative

    
    

14. What is a Local Chapter?

    A Local Chapter is a group of ObjectWeb members who join their efforts to promote the goals of the consortium within a community characterized by its geography or its language. A Local Chapter:

    • promotes ObjectWeb and develops membership locally through meetings, ObjectWeb Web site localization, press communication,
    • ensures the presence of ObjectWeb in local events (trade shows, conferences, etc.),
    • facilitates synergies for the local community (including access to -publicly funded- research projects, coordination with other Local Chapters.

    
    

15. Does ObjectWeb recommend a specific open source license?

    No. ObjectWeb does not recommend a specific open source license. ObjectWeb does not propose its own open source license. A Project License can be any open source software license approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with reasonable and appropriate open source criteria including those of the Open Source Initiative.

    
    

16. Does ObjectWeb accept the dual licensing business model?

    Yes. ObjectWeb accepts that its members engage in dual licensing business practices. Each Member remains free to license outside of the Project hosted by the Consortium its own software contribution under any other license. The rule is that commercial companies engaged in dual licensing business model must allow third-party committers on the code.