ICANN/NIST/NTIA CRADA

[James Love <love@cptech.org>]

For those who haven't seen it, the new ICANN/NIST/NTIA CRADA regarding
ICANN's work on the Internet DSN root server system is on the web here:

http://www.icann.org/crada.htm

It's not a particularly interesting read.  The basic statement of work
is:


10. The Statement of Work (SoW): 

The parties will collaborate on a study and process for making the
management of the Internet (DNS) root server system more robust and
secure. The collaboration will address:

Operational requirements of root name servers, including host hardware
capacities, operating system and name server software versions, network
connectivity, and physical environment.

Examination of the security aspects of the root name server system and
review of the number, location, and distribution of root name servers
considering the total system performance, robustness, and reliability.

Development of operational procedures for the root system, including
formalization of contractual relationships under which root servers
throughout the world are operated.

 The study will address the technical management of the entire Internet
(DNS) root server system, including all (currently thirteen) root
servers located throughout the world and the techniques and equipment
for generating, maintaining, and distributing authoritative root zone
files. The study will include formulation of the operational procedures,
requirements, and protocols referenced above through engineering
analysis and will be accomplished with appropriate consultation with
affected parties, including existing operators of the Internet root
server system, through use of collaborator?s Root Server System Advisory
Committee and otherwise. After operational procedures, requirements, and
protocols are formulated, they will be evaluated by implementing them in
a controlled manner on the Internet (DNS) root server system. Any
change(s) in the designated authoritative source for root zone files
must be approved by the Department of Commerce in a separate document
and nothing in this SoW or this Agreement is intended to direct such a
change.

 

-- 
James Love, Director, Consumer Project on Technology
I can be reached at love@cptech.org, by telephone 202.387.8030,
by fax at 202.234.5176. CPT web page is http://www.cptech.org