Highlights of 27 September Exec Meeting

Dear IVOA Interop Members;

One outcome of the recent IVOA Assessment is an effort to improve internal communication within the IVOA. As a result of this, we have decided to circulate to everyone some highlights of the IVOA Exec meetings shortly after they occur, so the all the IVOA knows what actions have been taken by the Exec. Below I list some highlights from the Exec meeting held in Cambridge last week.

Perhaps the most significant highlight was the formal acceptance by the Exec of eight new standards. They are: Simple Cone Search
Spectrum Data Model
Space Time Coordinates
Characterisation Data Model
Simple Spectral Access
Single Sign-On
VOSpace
VOResource
Getting all of these ready for Exec approval required an enormous amount of work on the part of all the WG members, the WG Chairs, and the TCG. Our thanks to all of you for your untiring efforts on behalf of the IVOA.

Other highlights:
- The Exec created a Standards and Process group as a

   Standing Committee of the Exec. This committee will    refine the standards process and propose modifications    if they are needed. The committee will also develop    procedures for new processes such as a "maintenance    mode" for WGs.

• The Exec asked the TCG to create a draft document that describes the scope and definition of how the TCG should function in the future.
• The Exec discussed the impact of Google Sky and its possible integration into IVOA activities. Due to the recent arrival of Google Sky, the Exec will review this issue in the near future.
• The Exec reviewed possible VO participation in the next IAU GA. There will probably be a short VO related session under the auspices of Commission 5; larger scale participation may occur if a current proposal for a 3 day symposium is approved.
• Possible new IVOA members were discussed and the status of VO activities in other countries was reviewed. No action was required at this time.
• The Exec discussed the growing demand for VO related training and introductory programs. It was decided to establish a page on the IVOA web pages that contains pointers to information and resources on this topic.
• The next Exec meeting will be a telecon in mid-January 2008.

The full minutes of this meeting will soon be posted on the
IVOA website. Out thanks to all who contributed to this successful IVOA Interop meeting in Cambridge, and special thanks go to Nic Walton for his flawless organization of the local arrangements.

Best wishes,

Dave De Young
IVOA Chair Received on 2007-10-04Z00:56:42