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Re: [ietf-dkim] Issue #1535: Simplify SSP decision tree

2007-12-13 07:29:39


Jim Fenton wrote:
Dave Crocker wrote:
The first version of SSP that is standardized needs to have a much
shorter and simpler decision tree, if interoperable deployment is to
be achieved anytime soon after publication.

This reminds me of the famous line in the movie "Amadeus": "...there are
simply too many notes, that's all.  Just cut a few and it will be perfect."

Jim,

Were my suggestion equally whimsical, the Amadeus reference would be apt and possibly even clever

Unfortunately, it was based on extended observation of what seems to deploy and get used, versus what does not.


The length of the decision algorithm (not really a tree) is determined
by the functionality that WG consensus decides upon.  If we decide to

You are expressing a view that means that there are no other forces than wg consensus that affect the success of a protocol, and I suspect we all know that is not true.

Each of the many OSI protocols represented working group consensus. (For those who have not had the delightful experience of attending such meetings, they work on unanimity, not rough consensus. In other words, they set the filter bar higher than the IETF...)

IPv6 represented working group consensus, yet it produced something that has yet to gain critical mass in 15 years.

And so on.

Complexity and strong *market* consensus (ie, market pull) about what is needed are fundamental forces affecting protocol success. As for complexity, I specifically cited challenges in reaching high levels of interoperability.


eliminate some functionality, such as the "testing" flag, the decision
algorithm can be made simpler.  However, simplification of the decision
algorithm is not a suitable issue itself; it's something that may happen
as a result of other decisions made by the Working Group.

Complexity of design and its impact on interoperability is not a "suitable issue"? Wherever did you get that view from, Jim?

d/

--

  Dave Crocker
  Brandenburg InternetWorking
  bbiw.net
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