Hi Pedro, All -
I fully support this proposal for the next phase of TAP development, and would be pleased to continue to be involved myself in developing the TAP spec. I think it is essential to continue to have involvement from (most notably) VOQL and GWS as well; we already have this of course, so it is just a matter of ensuring that it continues.
My view is that while the TAP interface and protocol is primarily a DAL problem, the most important TAP functionality is provided by ADQL, hence effective ongoing coordination with the VOQL efforts is essential. We could also benefit from the expertise of the TEG in helping to consider what table/database metadata is required to support advanced ADQL queries.
Coordination with GWS is also essential, most notably in developing the capability for asynchronous execution and other grid capabilities (VOSpace, authentication). Back in Beijing, in the SIA V2 session, Guy Rixon and I agreed to work together to jointly develop a scheme integrating the DAL "stageData" concept with the UWS pattern, with the goal of having a specification and an actual prototype ready to discuss in the fall. If all are agreed, we should probably fold this aspect of TAP into the effort as well, since the problem is essentially the same for all the data services, and a uniform solution fully integrated with UWS is required.
Other cross-working group coordination is required, e.g., with Registry and DM, however this is less critical and appears to be already well in hand, and will affect all the data services.
On Wed, 11 Jul 2007, Pedro Osuna wrote:
> Dear all,
>
>
> the VOQL-TEG was tasked with the initiation of the Table Access
> Protocol with the help of the DAL chairman, and I can proudly say we
> have fulfilled with success the requirement.
>
> I believe it is now time to hand the whole thing to the DAL group, as
> it was initially planned. I think this is the right time to do so,
> and I believe this action will give the TAP the necessary push that
> it needs both from the DAL and the VOQL perspective to become a
> fruitful draft in near September, or not much later.
>
> I have pre-checked this with Keith, who believes this is probably a
> good way forward. I would now like to make sure that you also find
> this approach acceptable.
>
> To help in the possible transition process, I have also agreed the
> following with Keith:
>
> - that the VOQL chair will be part of the TAP process, to ensure
> usability of the TAP from the discovery point of view
> - that the VOQL-TEG members that _want to continue_ contributing in
> the TAP creation process are guaranteed to be accepted in an eventual
> DAL-TEG devoted to the TAP.
>
> I would certainly also like to know Doug's opinion on this, as
> although not being the DAL chairman anymore he is, and will keep on
> being, an integral part of the whole TAP creation process.
>
> I therefore would like to ask for your approval for this handover, to
> make it public and inform the IVOA Exec consequently.
>
> I attach for reference the two (plus one) documents produced within
> the VOQL-TEG that I would eventually hand to the DAL Chair as
> "deliverables" from our group on the TAP initiation process:
>
> - one from Doug, giving his view of the TAP from the DAL perspective
> - one from ESAVO and Astrogrid guys from a more VOQL-oriented
> perspective.
>
> I think that it is fair that both documents are considered for an
> eventual TAP draft.
>
> Needless to say, this approach for the TAP does not impact the work
> to be done in the VOQL group with regards to the ADQL and possible
> Services that we have been, and will continue, working on during all
> this time.
>
> Please let me know how you feel. Should you have any real issue with
> this approach, please do not hesitate to say it.
>
> Best regards,
> P.
>
>
>
> _________________________________________
> Pedro Osuna Alcalaya
>
> European Space Agency (ESA)
> European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC)
> Research and Scientific Support Department (RSSD)
> Astronomy Science Operations Division (SCI-SD)
> e-mail: Pedro.Osuna-at-esa.int
> Tel + 34 91 813 13 14 Fax: +34 91 813 11 72
> _________________________________________
> European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC)
> P.O. Box 50727
> E-28080 Villafranca del Castillo
> MADRID - SPAIN
Received on 2007-07-11Z19:47:47