[OpenLayers-Dev] GeoExt proposal

[Tim Schaub]

Hey-

So, I'm picking up the GeoExt governance proposal again.

Please see the links below for a history of the issue [1], [2].

The executive summary follows: GeoExt is a new project that brings 
OpenLayers functionality to Ext JS widgets and data utilities.  The 
GeoExt PSC would like to assign copyright for the code to OSGeo.  OSGeo 
suggested that out of courtesy, the GeoExt PSC make a proposal to an 
OSGeo member project asking the member project to accept a role in the 
governance of the new project.

The responsibilities of this role (for the OpenLayers PSC and for the 
GeoExt PSC) are described here:

http://www.geoext.org/trac/geoext/wiki/governance

What does this mean for the OpenLayers PSC?
-------------------------------------------
The OpenLayers PSC will ask the GeoExt PSC to provide evidence that code 
contributions are free from encumbrances.  Further, the OpenLayers PSC 
will provide guidance to the GeoExt PSC if it appears that GeoExt is in 
violation of any other criteria of an OSGeo member project.

What does this means for the GeoExt PSC?
----------------------------------------
The GeoExt PSC will gather signed license agreements from code 
contributors.  It will provide a report (periodically or generated on 
demand) all contributors and status of their CLA.  In addition, the 
GeoExt PSC will continue to govern the project in a way that conforms 
with the guidelines for OSGeo member projects.

What does this *not* mean?
--------------------------
The OpenLayers PSC will *not* be responsible for examining the commit 
logs, tracking down code contributors, asking individuals to sign the 
CLA, or any duties that have to do with technical aspects of managing 
the GeoExt project.  The OpenLayers PSC will also *not* vote on issues 
before the GeoExt PSC.

Why is this happening?
----------------------
See the links below for a little history.  Basically, anyone can assign 
copyright to OSGeo.  Frank Warmerdam suggested that the OSGeo would 
probably be happier about having copyright assigned if a current member 
project accepted some role in the governance of the new project (the one 
assigning copyright).  OSGeo doesn't have any real responsibility for 
the non-member projects that assign it copyright.  By extension, 
OpenLayers does not assume any real liability under this agreement (its 
status as a member project is not jeopardized if the terms of the 
agreement are not met).  This is largely a courtesy to the OSGeo.


So, as a member of the OpenLayers PSC, I'd like to propose that we 
accept this role in the governance of the GeoExt PSC.  I'm happy to 
answer any more specific questions about what this means.

Thanks for the vote and/or questions.

Tim

[1] http://n2.nabble.com/copyright-question-td2088465.html
[2] http://n2.nabble.com/proposal-for-GeoExt-governance-td2477185.html


-- 
Tim Schaub
OpenGeo - http://opengeo.org
Expert service straight from the developers.