Introduction

This document provides guidance for individuals appointed to be The Open Group liaisons to other organizations. In the course of developing standards, The Open Group needs to communicate extensively with various other peer organizations, including the following:

These organizations are usually concerned with developing related standards and technical specifications, so that from time to time issues of coordination and mutual interest may arise. To facilitate communications, The Open Group establishes liaison relationships with appropriate parts of these organizations. Establishing a liaison closely ties in with the policy of The Open Group to avoid duplication of standards work elsewhere and to build upon existing standards.

Whenever The Open Group decides to enter into a liaison relationship, a Liaison Manager and one or more Liaison Representatives are appointed to act as a channel between The Open Group and the peer organization, typically in tandem with counterparts appointed by the peer organization. The Liaison Manager is appointed by The Open Group Executive Management, and is usually a member of The Open Group staff, often the Forum Director, who manages the liaison relationship in cooperation with The Open Group Director, Standards. The Liaison Representatives are drawn from the members of The Open Group.