[Chapter-delegates] Latest Update on Membership System

[David McAuley]

Dear Chapter Delegates:

In our last note to you on this subject (parts copied below), we
mentioned that we had mandated GoMembers to do an analysis that would
help us manage this issue. This note is to inform you that GoMembers has
now responded back to us and we are in the process of reviewing that
information. 

We expect to be able to report back to you next week with our thoughts
on this and with further comments on the Committee we spoke of. So
things are moving and we will have more next week.

Best regards,
David

David McAuley
Membership Director
Internet Society
703-326-9880, ext 104
703-963-5887 (mobile)
mcauley at isoc.org


Here are portions of our last note:

...In addition, we've evaluated several options and are in the process
of working with GoMembers to build a new interface layer above the
current back-end system, exposing web interfaces to common sign up
functions.

This will provide ISOC and Chapters with a much more flexible platform
which allows for greater freedom in integration of ISOC-developed and
hosted sign-up scripts with the back-end membership system.

This also opens the door to ISOC providing greater value-added
functionality such as local language sign-up form, etc. By developing a
generic interface layer, and publishing the specification of the
interface API, development of future functionality may be carried out by
parties other than the system vendor (e.g. Chapters, ISOC staff etc).
Furthermore the implementation of true web-based APIs would mean that
such developments will no-longer be dependent on the usage of
proprietary technologies or programming languages.

We have mandated Go Members to proceed with a short period of system
analysis in order to determine the form of the functions to be provided
through the required new interface layer. This analysis has been
discussed with GoMembers, has been ordered and is expected to be
completed shortly.  ISOC staff will then proceed to map out the precise
specifications of this interface in concert with a Committee to be
established - a committee which will include chapter and Board
participation.   This Committee will be led by a combination of Peter
Godwin for systems and David McAuley for Membership.