1. FAST TRACKING IN THE IEEE
Prepared by Robby Robson
Chair, LTSC
June, 2005
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs License. To view a copy of this license, visit or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

2. Definition of Fast Tracking
Adopting an existing standard or specification as an IEEE standard
Using a process designed to shorten the time to approval
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

3. Purpose of Fast Tracking
Turn de facto standards into de jure standards
Establish a comprehensive source of standards in a particular area
Validate and add legitimacy to an existing specification (aids adoption)
End up with SINGLE version of a standard
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

4. Digression into IEEE Process
WORKING GROUP & SPONSOR PROCESS
NEEDS SPONSOR APPROVAL TO ENTER SPONSOR BALLOT
IEEE STANDARDS ASSOCIATION PROCESS
BALLOT NEEDS 75% PARTICIPATION and 75% APPROVAL TO SUCCEED
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

5. Fast Track - The Easy Case
Adopt a document by putting a wrapper around it.
PAR SCOPE states scope of existing specification
PAR PURPOSE states the intention is to adopt the specification as an IEEE standard
Terms, definitions, errata may be inserted in front matter
Body of document is unchanged
Distribution rights are assigned to the IEEE (??)
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

6. Fast Track - Approval Process
Working group & Sponsor must approve fast tracking attempt
Ballot group is formed as usual. Participation from contributing organization encouraged
Ballot comments addressing existing document are disposed by making no change. (Ballot comments about added front matter may result in changes)
After single recirculation, if 75% approve the standard is sent to RevCom.
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

7. Fast Track - The Harder Case
Adopt an existing specification while allowing at least editorial changes to the document
PAR SCOPE states scope of existing specification
PAR PURPOSE states the intention is to adopt a functionally equivalent version of the specification as an IEEE standard
Rights and maintenance responsibilities must be negotiated with IEEE
Should clarify in advance what will be done if technical errors are discovered
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

8. Fast Track - Harder Case - Approval Process
Working group & Sponsor must approve fast tracking attempt
Ballot group is formed as usual. Participation from contributing organization encouraged. Can be invited experts.
Ballot comments are resolved in a manner decided in advance. It may involve the contributing organization. Many comments may be disposed with no change by referring to the PAR.
After recirculation, if 75% approve the standard is sent to RevCom.
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

9. Not So Fast Track - Variants
Collaborating organization has an existing specification.
Works with sponsor to put it into IEEE format and then submits for fast track.
Rights are negotiated in advance.
Submits as base document. WG puts into IEEE format. Changes are permitted.
Contributing organization may then choose to adopt IEEE version or not
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9

10. LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9
Recommended Actions
Create model “easy case” and “hard case” Fast Track PARS and comment resolution language
Create model copyright agreements*
Create diagrams / slides for addition to Standards Online
Create model flow diagrams and agreements for “not-so-fast track” variants
* Fits with other recommendations concerning intellectual property rights.
February 23, 2005
LTSC / AICC Report - Plugfest 9