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IFDC The International File Distribution Cooperative
----------------------------------------------------
April 1992
International File Distribution Cooperative being formed by some of the
major Fidonet based File Distribution Coordinators. Ray Kaliss of SDN,
Tom Hendricks of SDS, Arthur Geffen of Lannet, Peter Stern of DVNet and
Larry Mundy of WIN*Net are going to explore the possibilities of
developing joint operational policies and joint distribution channels.
The File Distribution Networks were created to serve two different
bases of clientele. The end user looking for good new software and
wishing to find a local or nearby system to call and the authors who
write the software many of us use. Each system began with its own
policies and own goals which have served each network quite well.
As Fidonet has "exploded" in size, the potential audience of users and
sysops wishing to participate in distributing software has followed
right along. In order to better serve both the authors and the end
users, it was decided to form this IFDC group to see what could be done
to achieve both ends.
The success of each of the member networks is based upon different
goals and differing support among their member sysops. The networks
all share some common problems which are going to be the first ones
addressed.
Authors and end users alike both want software which is protected from
damage in transit and hard to "hack". The participating networks are
working on a security system which should help achieve those goals
without being dependent on any single archiving program.
Each network has its own distribution system which has been serving it
well. As the demand for the software grows the need to look at
cooperating on distribution becomes a logical step. The networks will
be exploring combining distribution sites and policies where ever
possible.
There has always been a problem trying to locate who is in what file
network. The nodelist flag is no accessible to most users and is not
supported by many nets. The IFDC is working on a system of producing
up to date membership lists and distribution maps. The next step will
be determining a manner in which this information can be made available
to the general public.
Should IFDC be viewed as a revolutionary step? Some people may decide
it is a conspiracy. The reality is it is an evolutionary step in
making sure the file distribution networks can keep up with the growth
of Fidonet while at the same time minimizing duplication of effort and
getting software to the widest possible audience in the most timely and
cost effect way possible. This will be a slow orderly process designed
to integrate each file distribution systems policies into a cooperative
policy where possible while at the same time allowing for variations to
occur where the need may be greatest.
Don't expect great changes to occur over night. Fidonet has taken
eight years to reach it's present state. IFDC will be working to
achieve its goals by following an orderly and well thought out process.
We jointly hope that by building a solid foundation of cooperation,
IFDC will serve everyone well and allow for orderly future growth.
Peter Stern 4/13/92