trier@cwns17.CWRU.EDU (Stephen C. Trier) (07/29/90)
There is a fundamental problem behind the X.400 address. Addresses
are addresses, NOT directory service functions! We need concise,
human-manipulable addresses, not vague monsters. Why not develop a
directory service (X.500?) and use domain-based addresses?
Any "modern" addressing scheme should fulfill the following requirements:
1. An address should be unique and absolute.
2. An address should be universal, usable from any site
without modification.
2. An address should be concise.
3. An address should allow for direct human manipulation.
3a. An address should be easily understandable.
3b. An address should be easily remembered.
3c. User interface requirements should be minimal.
X.400 and UUCP bang paths do not meet these requirements. Domain-based
names do. Let the directory services be directory services and mail
addresses be mail addresses, and both will be far more capable and usable.
--
Stephen Trier Case Western Reserve University
Home: sct%seldon@scl.cwru.edu Information Network Services
Work: trier@cwlim.ins.cwru.edu
I do _not_ speak for the University.