[Nml-wg] information

[Freek Dijkstra]

medhioub wrote:

> I have few informations to understand, i hope that you can help me.
> What is the difference and the benefits of NML compared to NDL.
> NML implementation will be in RDF or XML Schema?
> And when the first NML specification will be published?

The first and foremore difference is that NML is a real standard. NDL is 
a specification but not an international standard. NDL is developed by 
the University of Amsterdam (though it is used elsewhere). NML is 
developed by multiple groups: DANTE, Internet2, University of Delaware 
and University of Amsterdam.

That has two benefits: first, there will probably larger adoption of the 
  specification. Secondly, it's specification has gotten more scrutiny 
already. For example, about naming (we had a long discussion on the 
definition of the word "network" recently), but also about features. NDL 
for example has limited support for change management, while cNIS 
-another network description specification, created by DANTE- has more 
extensive support for that (simply because it can specify the time a 
device exists, has existed or will exists). NML will take the best ideas 
of cNIS, NM/PerfSONAR topology spec, and NDL.

The NML specification will use UML, a modelling language, which will be 
the authorative standard. That UML will be translated in both a XML and 
an RDF schema which can be used by specifications and protocol standards.

When the first NML standard be published? That is hard to say. I hope 
soon, but that depend on the input and willingness of people to 
volunteer to write the standard (feel free to step forward!). I think 
realisticly, there will be a draft of the single layer specification by 
the end of this year, while the multi-layer specification and 
translation into RDF and XML will be in 2009 or so.

Regards,
Freek