XML Standards Update; Patent Policy takes Center Stage!

W3C Late Summer Recommendations and Proposed Recommendations

SVG becomes W3C Recommendation

On September 5, 2001, W3C announced the advancement of the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG 1.0) Specification to Recommendation status. SVG delivers two-dimensional vector graphics and mixed vector and raster graphics to the Web in XML, ensuring accessibility, dynamism, reusability, and extensibility. SVG allows for three types of graphic objects: vector graphic shapes such as straight lines and curves, as well as images and text. All are integrated in SVG using XML.  SVG's XML markup allows for graphical objects to be grouped, styled, transformed and composited into previously rendered objects. Text can be in any XML namespace.  This means that SVG graphics are far more searchable and accessible than graphics in other formats.

SMIL 2.0 and SMIL Animation Become W3C  Recommendations

W3C also announced the advancement of  MIL 2.0 to Proposed Recommendation on August 9, 2001. The specification has been reviewed by the W3C Membership, who favor its adoption by industry. SMIL (pronounced "smile") defines an XML-based language that authors can use to write interactive multimedia presentations. Version 2.0 includes approximately one hundred predefined transition effects, and support for hierarchical layout and animation.  On September 5, 2001, SMIL Animation also became a Recommendation.  SMIL Animation enables animation on a time line, allows composition of multiple animations, and describes animation elements for any XML-based host language.

Other Specifications Advance to Become Proposed Recommendations

On August 20, 2001, W3C announced the  advancement of XML-Signature Syntax and Processing to become a Proposed Recommendation. This specification is the work of a joint IETF/W#C working group.  XML digital signatures promise to provide integrity, message authentication, and signer authentication services.

In addition, W3C promoted XML Information Set, defining a set of eleven types of information items in XML documents to the status of Proposed Recommendation on August 10.  Also in August, W3C announced the advancement of the Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) 1.0 to Proposed Recommendation status.  User Agent Accessibility Guidelines and XPointer both became Candidate Recommendations in September as well.

W3C Patent Policy Sparks Debates!

Perhaps the biggest news from W3C in September had nothing to do with any one specification.  This news centered around a document released by W3C on Patent Policy.  The production of this document by W3C was encouraged because the consortium represents a diverse group with differing opinions about the nature of W3C Recommendations.  Some believe that Recommendations should be Royalty-Free.  Others believe that paying "Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory" (RAND) fees to the W3C is sensible and productive.

According to a recent statement by the W3C, "W3C recognizes that a Royalty-Free environment was essential to the growth of the Web, and the contributions of the open source developer community have been critical to its success. W3C also recognizes that software patents exist (and patent issues have become more prevalent with the growth of the Web), and ignoring them will do more harm than good. W3C is working hard to reach consensus in an area where there is an obvious tension, and to strike a balance among diverse interests."

The goal of W3C in producing the document focusing on patent policy is to prevent the Web community from being surprised by "submarine" patents where unsuspecting participants are forced to pay license fees after their participation in the creation of a Recommendation that they thought was unencumbered.  The goal is also to assure that future work is not hindered because of "Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt." W3C hopes to assure that each Working Group can proceed to work around any perceived patent obstacle, or to abandon work if it is too encumbered by patents.

So what does this all mean?  Clearly the jury is out.  Two documents of vital importance are the W3C Patent Policy Framework and W3Cs response to public comments.  It is interesting to note that there were so many comments to this policy, that W3C has not yet been able to post them all, but simply has answered the top 9 comments at this site.

Dave Winer, a voice of Userland (www.userland.com) summarizes these events for us in a recent Davenet essay http://davenet.userland.com/2001/09/30/patentsAndTheW3c. Winer clearly believes that software patents have no place in the world of Internet standards development.  According to Winer, "We (members of W3C) agree on a common philosophy -- a level playing field, interoperation between software, and choice for users and developers. That's the foundation that the Web was built on, it's what kept the Web ticking through the dotcom lunacy."  Winer, among others, is highly disappointed in this new policy statement from W3C.  According to Winer, "The W3C was a source of courage in re: software patents, and it appears they're caving in."

You can get involved in this discussion. First read the Patent Policy Framework and then contribute your comments.  By the way, let us know what you think as well.  Just send email to Dianne Kennedy, editor XML Files.

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