"Jack" == Jack Repenning <jackr(_at_)informix(_dot_)com> writes:
Jack> At 10:02 AM 9/9/98 , Paul Koning wrote:
No, but strings don't eliminate the registration problem, because
you still need a way to ensure they are unique. It's just that
the code space is larger which simplifies that task.
Jack> Strings don't eliminate the _need_ for registration, but they
Jack> can piggy-back off existing registration systems (such as the
Jack> DNS system for hostname registration) - which means the
Jack> availability of strings, plus a convention such as the
Jack> suggested one for using them, *does* eliminate the registration
Jack> _problem_.
Yes, any identifying mechanism with hierarchy lets you piggyback off
an existing setup. This is why a lot of identifiers are built using
the IEEE OUI as a component, and another bunch use OIDs for the same
reason.
DNS hostnames are actually not a good choice. Unlike OUIs or OIDs,
DNS names are subject to cancellation or revocation if you don't pay
the yearly fee and/or have your chosen name challenged.
paul