MDAY@XX.LCS.MIT.EDU (Moderator, Mark S. Day) (02/25/88)
Soft-Eng Digest Wed, 24 Feb 88 Volume 4 : Issue 11
Today's Topics:
ECMA TC-33 Portable Common Tools Environment (2 msgs)
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Date: 16 Feb 88 03:05:00 GMT
From: casee.dec.com!wyman@decwrl.dec.com (Bob Wyman)
Subject: ECMA TC-33 Portable Common Tools Environment
This posting and the one that follows contain the minutes of the
recent ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) TC-33 inaugural
meeting. TC-33 has been formed "to standardize a common tool interface,
implementable on a wide range of operating environments, to ensure a suitable
foundation for portable, interoperable computer assisted systems engineering
tools and tool sets." Thus, I felt these minutes would be appropriate for the
comp.software-eng discussion.
Copies of the PCTE Interface specifications can be obtained from:
Werner Wohlschlegel
Commission of the European Communities
DGXII/A4
Rue De La Loi 200
B-1049 BRUSSELS
Belgium
You should be aware that there are two versions of the specification
currently available. The C language bindings and the Ada language bindings.
Be sure to specify which bindings you want or ask for both. (Frankly, the
Ada version is much, much easier to read...)
It is my intention to keep sending copies of the minutes of TC33
to the comp.software-eng group. However, if you want more detailed information,
you could ask the ECMA secretariat to put you on the interest list for TC33.
If you want to do this, contact:
C. Brockway, Secretary TC33
ECMA Headquarters
Rue du Rhone 114
CH-1204 GENEVA
Switzerland
Telex: 22.288
Phone: +41 22 35.36.34
Fax: +41 22 86.52.31
The documents being posted are:
ECMA/TC33/88/8 Proposed Revised Terms of Reference of TC33
ECMA/TC33/88/10 Terms of Reference of the TC33 Ad-hoc Group on
Reference Model - Preliminary Tasks
ECMA/TC33/88/11 Minutes of TC33 1st Meeting
ECMA/TC33/88/12 Proposed Agenda, TC33 2nd Meeting, 28-29 March 1988
Note: The machine readable versions of these documents were prepared
by the ECMA secretariat and have only been reformatted by me to remove various
control characters. I am not in any way responsible for the contents of
these documents.
bob wyman
Digital Equipment Corporation
Valbonne, France
[ Portions of the Minutes (ECMA/TC33/88/11) have been deleted in the
interest of brevity. All such editing is indicated by [square brackets].
--MSD ]
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ECMA / TC33 / 88 / 8
E C M A
European Computer Manufacturers Association
Proposed Revised Terms of Reference of TC33
Prepared by TC33 1st Meeting, Geneva, 1-2 February 1988
The Scope and Programme of Work of TC33 as they appear in document
TC33/88/1 and in the 1988 Edition of the ECMA Memento were reassessed by
TC33 at its 1st Meeting, held 1-2 February 1988 in Geneva. The revised Scope
and Programme of Work, shown overpage, incorporate a number of changes for
clarification and editorial purposes, and also reflect shifts in importance
attached by TC33-represented Member Companies to the various aspects of the
work in which TC33 intends to engage. Pending approval by the Coordinating
Committee, TC33 is proceeding on the basis of the terms of reference thus
revised.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TITLE: PORTABLE COMMON TOOL ENVIRONMENT (PCTE)
SCOPE: To standardize a common tool interface, implementable on a wide
range of operating environments, to ensure a suitable foundation for
portable, interoperable computer assisted systems engineering tools
and tool sets.
PROGRAMME OF WORK:
1. To define a layered reference model for computer assisted systems
engineering environments that will support the incremental
definition and evolution of interface standards.
2. To position PCTE 1.4 (see Note) within that reference model.
3. To develop interface standards for the layers of the reference model,
taking PCTE 1.4 (see Note) as a starting point.
4. To maintain liaison with TC22 and with TC32-TG2.
5. To maintain liaison with the PCTE Interface Management Board (PIMB)
and its technical group - the PCTE Interface Control Group (PICG),
with DG XIII of the Commission of the European Communities, with the
PCTE+ programme of Technical Area 13 of the Independent European
Programme Group (IEPG TA13), and with the German PCTE Initiative.
6. To identify and position complementary standards and standards
activities relevant to the reference model, and to maintain liaison
with those standards organizations responsible for their maintenance.
7. To develop interface standards for the lowest layer of the reference
model first and in the shortest possible time, while taking into
account the requirements and specification efforts already underway
as noted in item 5.
8. To prepare standards in a form acceptable for submission via ECMA to
ISO.
9. To present the standards ultimately as an abstract specification with
separate language bindings.
Note: PCTE 1.4: the Portable Common Tool Environment Functional
Specifications, Fourth edition, currently managed by the PCTE
Interface Management Board (PIMB).
===============================================================================
ECMA / TC33 / 88 / 10
E C M A
European Computer Manufacturers Association
Terms of Reference of the TC33 Ad-hoc Group on
Reference Model - Preliminary Tasks
Prepared by TC33 1st Meeting, Geneva, 1-2 February 1988
TERMS OF REFERENCE OF AD-HOC GROUP
1. To propose a statement of the scope and requirements for the
reference model.
2. To identify existing studies in this area and formulate a view of
their respective relevance (to include, but not necessarily limited
to, the candidate work listed below, for which the appropriate
Companies or Organizations, and key contact persons are also shown):
ALMA (University of Namur, M. Lamswearde)
ATHERTON
CAIS
EAST (SFGL, J.P. Bourguignon)
ECLIPSE (SSL, A. Elliston)
ESF (ICL, R.E.Thomas)
ISF (GEC, G.Oddy)
ISTAR (V. Stenning)
PACT (GIE, I.Thomas)
SFINX (SFGL, M.Picard)
VIP (Praxis, M. Jackson)
3. If considered appropriate, to propose terms of reference for a TC33
Task Group to develop the reference model.
4. To propose a realistic schedule and resource plan.
5. To present a status report at the 28-29 March 1988 Meeting of TC33 on
the progress achieved by the Ad-hoc Group and the conclusions reached.
MEMBERSHIP OF AD-HOC GROUP
Dr. R. Crispin (Hewlett-Packard)
Mr. H. Davis (ICL)
Mr. R. Wyman (DEC) (Coordinator)
=============================================================================
ECMA / TC33 / 88 / 12
E C M A
European Computer Manufacturers Association
Proposed Agenda, TC33 2nd Meeting, 28-29 March 1988
The 2nd Meeting of TC33 will be held during 28-29 March 1988,
in the region of Nice, France, by kind invitation of Digital
Equipment, beginning at 14:00 hours on 28 March and ending at
17:00 hours on 29 March. A Venue Notice, giving exact details
of the Meeting location, hotel reservation procedures, and
transportation recommended from and to Nice international airport,
will be circulated shortly.
Proposed Agenda
(for each item, references to key documents of TC33 and persons
initiating are shown)
1. Adoption of Agenda (88/12, Mr.Morron)
2. Approval of Minutes TC33 1st Meeting (88/11, Mr.Brockway)
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes not covered elsewhere (88/11,
Mr.Morron)
4. Report from PIMB (Mr.Morron)
5. Report from PICG (88/5, 88/4, Mr.Kelter)
6. Report from TC33 Ad-hoc Group (88/10, Mr.Wyman)
7. Review of programme of work (88/8, Mr.Morron)
8. Review of roadmap and timeframe (88/9, 88/5, Mr.Morron)
9. Interface and division of responsibilities between PIMB and
TC33 (Dr.Crispin)
10. TC33 roles and liaisons (88/8, 88/7, Mr.Morron)
11. Conformance requirements (Mr.Davis)
12. Document handling issues (Mr.Kelter)
13. Chairman's Report to Coordinating Committee (Mr.Morron)
14. Other Business (Mr.Morron)
15. Next Meetings (Mr.Morron)
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Date: 16 Feb 88 03:22:00 GMT
From: casee.dec.com!wyman@decwrl.dec.com (Bob Wyman)
Subject: ECMA TC-33 Portable Common Tools Environment
This is the second of two postings containing the minutes of the recent
ECMA TC33 inaugural meeting.
bob wyman
==============================================================================
ECMA / TC33 / 88 / 11
E C M A
European Computer Manufacturers Association
Minutes of TC33 1st Meeting
Geneva, 1-2 February 1988
Chairman : Mr. Morron (ICL)
Secretary : Mr. Brockway (ECMA)
In attendance : Dr.Bologna (Olivetti), Dr.Crispin
(Hewlett-Packard), Messrs.Davis (ICL),
Frost (British Telecom), Harvey (ALCATEL),
Hekimi (SG ECMA), Jeanrond (Nixdorf),
Kelter (Universitt Dortmund), MacDonald
(UNISYS), Minot (Bull), Mittermaier (Siemens,
Myrn (Televerket -Swedish Telecommunications
Administration), Nielsen (DDC - Dansk
Datamatik Center), Smedema (Philips),
Steenput (BIM), Prof. Dr. Weber (Universitat
Dortmund), Wyman (DEC)
Excused : Messrs. Moreau (BIM), Thomas (Bull)
Absent : Mr. Hayselden (Software Sciences Ltd)
1.Welcome by the Secretary General
ECMA Secretary General Mr.Hekimi welcomed participants to this
inaugural Meeting of TC33; participants introduced themselves.
2.Adoption of Agenda
[...]
3.Presentation by the Secretary General of the working methods of ECMA
TCs
[...]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Secretariat Note: For readability, in these Minutes TC33 documents are
referenced in an abbreviated notation whereby ECMA/TC33/88/n is shown
as 88/n.
4.Identification and distribution of documents
The scope and terms of reference (ToR) of TC33 as prepared by the CC
were noted (88/1), Mr.Hekimi adding that they are of course open to
refinement by the technical experts present (subsequently revised,
see item 5 below, and 88/8). PCTE Functional Specifications 1.4,
volumes 1 and 2, were also made available to participants.
A number of specifications, and background and requirements documents,
were listed:
Background: Requirements: Specifications: Other:
RAC EURAC PCTE 1.4 PICG Guide
CAIS (1838) N-RAC PCTE ADA 1.0
The German Initiative VDM (yet to appear)
RAC Rationale PCTE+ (yet to appear)
For circulation within TC33, participants agreed to forward relevant
documents to the Secretariat. It was recognized that documents that
are both voluminous and readily available to members of the PIMB or
the PICG will receive an appropriately narrower TC33 circulation. The
Secretary pointed out that papers circulated by the Secretariat become
public domain documents.
The Secretary was actioned [sic] to ascertain the availability of the VDM
specification from the CEC. Prof.Dr.Weber kindly agreed to provide the
Secretariat with an index of documents of potential relevance to the work
of TC33.
Other documents were made available: Requirements for enhancement of
PCTE/OMS - the German PCTE Initiative, December 1987 (88/3), Guide for
the submission of PCTE comments to the PICG, Mr.Kelter, January 1988
(88/4), and the schedule of PICG work (88/5). Documents 88/3 and 88/4
were not considered during the present Meeting; document 88/5 was
considered under item 8 below.
[...]
5.Review and revision of the scope and terms of reference of TC33
The scope and ToR as prepared by the CC and dated January 1988 were
reassessed in detail (88/1), and a revised version agreed upon (88/8).
In reviewing these ToR, Mr.Hekimi recalled to participants that the
creation of an ECMA standard based on PCTE Functional Specifications
1.4 is seen as a necessary first step, which needs to be achieved
rapidly, and which could then lead on to further steps if and as
required. A number of participants questioned the value of a routine
ECMA endorsement of PCTE 1.4 (applying only editorial changes and
clarifications) and expressed the view that, in its scope and ToR,
TC33 should focus effort beyond the PCTE 1.4 exercise. It was equally
appreciated that publishing a first ECMA standard only when PCTE+
activities have reached maturity would represent an unacceptably long
delay.
6.Future liaison with ECMA TC22 and TC32-TG2
The scope and terms of reference of TC22 (Database) and TC32-TG2
(Communication, Networks and Systems Interconnection - Distributed
Interactive Processing) were briefly introduced (88/7). As a first
step it was agreed that TC33 participants will seek to identify
precise areas of liaison with TC22 and TC32-TG2 by internal discussion
within their own Companies with their representatives to these groups.
In this way, the subject will be addressed more specifically at the
next Meeting. In the meantime, copies of the TC33 ToR (88/8), Minutes
(88/11) and Agenda for the next Meeting (88/12) will be sent to the
Chairmen of TC22 (Dr.Lamersdorf, IBM) and TC32 (Mr.von Studnitz,
Philips) and to the Convenor of TC32-TG2 (Mr.Brenner, ICL).
7.Future submission of ECMA standards to ISO
With one of the objectives of TC33 being to launch its future PCTE
standards into ISO, utilizing the fast-track procedure, the importance
was recognized in ascertaining at an early stage whether a language-
dependent ECMA standard or standards (for example C- or ADA- dependent)
would be acceptable to ISO. Consulted outside the Meeting, Mr.Hekimi
opined that language-dependent ECMA PCTE standards would present no
formal problem for acceptance by ISO.
It was unclear to which ISO/IEC JTC1 subcommittee the work on PCTE
would pertain, the likelihood being that none of the presently existing
SCs cover PCTE in scope. It was recognized that at an appropriate
future point in time TC33 should contribute a proposal to ISO for the
creation of a suitable new work item.
On both the above points the ECMA Secretariat will investigate the
present situation within ISO/IEC JTC1 and report at the next Meeting.
8.Introduction of schedule of PICG work
The latest available schedule of PICG work was introduced by Mr.Kelter
(88/5). For identification, the document was given a 2 February 1988
date. For ease of discussion it was agreed to refer to the mid-year
1988 PCTE output as 1.5 and the November 1988 output as 1.6. Mr.Kelter
indicated that 1.5 is intended to remove as many as possible of the
difficulties identified by mid-1988, and for which a commentary
procedure operates within the PICG (88/4 refers), whereas more
substantial changes would be incorporated only within 1.6, or later in
time. Mr.Kelter agreed to report on PICG developments on an ongoing
basis at future TC33 Meetings.
Dr.Crispin pointed out that the dates shown for 1.5 and 1.6 refer
to output from the PICG and that for each date a further two months
could elapse before these outputs gain PIMB approval. This point was
recognized, it being understood that in any event TC33 will be
monitoring the PICG work schedule and forwarding any concerns with
regard to a timeframe that appeared to be moving unfavourably.
9.TC33 work planning and timing
Although a proposal from Mr.Davis (88/6) was not formally considered,
its content was taken up in discussion.
Taking into account the current schedule of PICG work (88/5), an
overall roadmap and timeframe for TC33 was elaborated (88/9).
Looking to the dates of ECMA General Assemblies in 1988 and 1989,
a February 1989 deadline was identified for completion of a Final
Draft for a first ECMA PCTE standard and the achievement of a
consensus within TC33. The planning (88/9) will be updated at
each TC33 Meeting.
Discussion of conformance requirements and a preliminary look at
conformance testing was deferred to the next Meeting.
The Chairman proposed that TC33 work be envisaged as proceeding
within two future Task Groups, one to pursue work on the definition
of a layered reference model and the other, starting its work later,
to progress the development of interface standards for the lowest
layer of the model. In proposing a reference model, the importance
was recognized of taking into consideration input from other relevant
ESPRIT projects. Before establishing a Task Group to define a reference
model it was seen that certain preparatory steps need to be taken,
including establishing requirements for the model, and assessing the
relevance of existing work in this area. Accordingly, it was agreed
to create a small Ad-hoc Group to address these tasks prior to the next
TC33 Meeting.
10.Creation of TC33 Ad-hoc Group to address preliminary tasks
An Ad-hoc Group was mandated to pursue studies prerequisite to the
establishment of a TC33 Task Group to work on the definition of a
reference model. Terms of reference for this Ad-hoc Group were prepared
and agreed (88/10). In addition relevant existing work in this area, as
well as points of contact, were identified (88/10). For efficiency it
was agreed to restrict the size of the group to a maximum of three
persons. Dr.Crispin,Mr.Davis, and Mr.Wyman agreed to constitute the
group, which will meet prior to the next TC33 Meeting, and Mr.Wyman
agreed to coordinate its report to TC33.
11.Liaison with PIMB and PICG
It was agreed that TC33 liaison will formally be with the PIMB,
although informal links will remain with the PICG due to a degree of
common membership with TC33.
Mr.Morron was actioned [sic] to raise at the next PIMB Meeting:
(i) questions as to the exact status of ADA work and the intentions
of the CEC in this regard, and
(ii) a proposal, for addressing to the CEC, indicating the desirability
of rewriting the C-specifications in the style and quality of the
ADA-specifications, and requesting allocation of the necessary
resources.
It was recognized that the division of responsibilities between the
PIMB, PICG and TC33 needs to be addressed in both PIMB and TC33. This
item was therefore included in the Agenda for the next TC33 Meeting
(88/12). Dr.Crispin agreed that Mr.Taylor of his Company will raise
the subject at the next PIMB Meeting.
The PIMB will next meet on 9 March, and 6 May 1988. Mr.Morron agreed to
provide the ECMA Secretariat with lists of the memberships of the PIMB
and the PICG.
12.Overview of Secretariat equipment and document handling procedures
Mr.Brockway briefly described the hardware and software used within
the Secretariat, and relevant to document interchange in the context
of TC33 work, and new material envisaged for acquisition during 1988.
Plans for the Secretariat to become a member of EuroKom are at an
advanced stage (GA/87/45 refers); implementation is envisaged in the
course of 1988, depending on the experience of a pilot scheme already
operational within one ECMA Task Group. Mr.Brockway indicated that
the participants of TC33 may of course choose to use the EuroKom
services to aid their own work, but proposed that adoption of EuroKom
as a regular method of work of TC33 be addressed within a wider context.
Mr.Brockway also referred to the guidelines offered by the ECMA General
Assembly for editing, recording and exchanging drafts of ECMA Standards
and TRs (GA/86/21); these guidelines are being circulated within TC33.
13.Date and location of next Meetings
[2nd meeting info... see agenda, earlier in this digest]
The 3rd Meeting of TC33 is provisionally scheduled for 24-25 May 1988,
in Geneva, from 14:00 hours on 24 May until 17:00 hours on 25 May. The
date and timing will be confirmed at the 2nd Meeting.
14.Other business
(i) PCTE specifications on-line
In view of ongoing and non-trivial revisional work on the PCTE
specifications and the potential for realizing on-line access in the
near future, it was agreed that the PICG will continue to maintain
these specifications on the present host computer. The Meeting
encouraged the PICG to bring the specifications on-line as soon as is
feasible.
(ii)Member Company representation in TC33
In addition to ECMA Member Companies represented at the present
Meeting, it was recalled that IBM had expressed an intention to
participate actively in the work of TC33, and that GEC had indicated
potential participation. Responding to a question in this regard the
Secretary reported that, to date, neither Company had followed up by
announcing representatives to TC33.
It was noted with interest that Apollo Computer have recently submitted
an application for ECMA membership. The Secretary was asked to bring
details of the formation of TC33 to their attention; documents 88/1
through 88/12 will be forwarded to Apollo.
[...]
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End of Soft-Eng Digest
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