SPAsystem (TM) Q&A

Can a draft maintained by a working group be posted on a World Wide Web (WWW) server node?

Working groups are strongly encouraged to use the SPAsystem as the on-line source of standards-related activity. The SPAsystem provides useful features that can really benefit your standards activities. A space can be established where drafts, minutes, and other information could be posted. Working group members can obtain passwords so that they have exclusive access to the space. This will allow all members to comment on the same baseline draft and provide safeguards against changes. The space can be tailored to the committee's specific needs.

Is there an ftp site serviced by the IEEE that can enable working group members to pass around large documents for comment?

Yes. Working group members should discuss the appropriate features they wish to have, i.e., protected work space, general "lobby" space, etc.

Can subcommittees of working groups be set up on reflectors maintained by the IEEE to debate working group issues in smaller groups?

Yes. Currently, some standards project reflectors are on the system. Reflectors can be set up by sending a list of e-mail addresses with a suggested title for the reflector.

Services are available via Telnet, ftp, and Gopher at stdsbbs.ieee.org [140.98.1.11], and WWW at http://standards.ieee.org/ [Updated URL -- the SPA team]

The User's Manual is available via ftp. For more information, contact your staff liaison or Jerry Walker at (908) 562-3823 (e-mail: j.t.walker@ieee.org).