DRAFT
22 November 1995
Terms of Reference
Collaborative Computing Tools Working Group
BACKGROUND
Following a Joint Review in July 1994, the DEPSECDEF and DCI declared on
11 August 1994 that Intelink is the strategic direction for U.S. intelligence
dissemination. This decree served to validate the Intelink Architecture
Framework prescribed for Intelink contained in the Intelligence Systems
Secretariat Architecture Panel Report, dated 14 June 1994. The Intelink
Architecture Framework functional description places emphasis on the need
for collaboration tools. The Intelink Engineering Board (IEB) is charged
with maintaining the technical health of Intelink and to facilitate the
introduction of tools, products, and services that contribute to the attainment
of the Intelink vision. To that end, the IEB is empowered to form working
groups made up of experts from the community to achieve these ends.
GOAL
The Collaborative Computing Tools Working Group (CCTWG) will be the focal
point for collaborative computing within the Intelink Community. The CCTWG
will:
- Identify the collaborative computing-related activities that are currently
underway and are planned for the future that could be incorporated into
the Intelink environment
- Identify, recommend, and implement for inclusion in the IEB spiral process,
collaborative computing tools to support the collaborative production and
dissemination of intelligence products on Intelink
- Test collaborative products in the Intelink environment to identify
and refine issues and requirements for collaborative computing
SCOPE
The CCTWG scope is limited to the identification, introduction, evaluation,
testing, and documenting the technology-based collaborative computing tools.
However, sources of such tools is not limited and may be identified from
Commercial off the Shelf (COTS), Internet Shareware, Internet Freeware,
or Government off the Shelf (GOTS) sources.
The scope of suitability of collaborative computing tools shall be targeted
to the Intelink and Intelink-S customer base and be conducted in accordance
with the Intelink Spiral Process.
METHODOLOGY
The Intelink Spiral Process is the preferred method for early introduction
of new tools, services, and capabilities on Intelink. It is also the process
for product evaluation, customer feedback, testing, and product improvement.
In addition, tools identified as being best suited for Intelink operations
shall be presented as candidates for incorporation into the Intelink Standards
Profile.
DELIVERABLES AND SCHEDULE
The CCTWG shall deliver the following products and services:
- Monthly CCTWG meetings
- CCTWG home page on Intelink with meeting announcements and minutes;
results of member studies, tests, and activities; spreadsheet of members
- Internal CIA Lotus Notes database on collaborative computing to be initiated
no later than 1 January 1996.
- Survey results from querying IEB and CCTWG members to identify current
and planned collaborative computing activities, evaluation methods, shortfalls
(areas that need to be worked), technology trends, and general issues. Results
will be posted on the CCTWG by mid February 1996.
- One day Desktop Collaborative Computing Standards Conference with briefings
published on Intelink by the end of February 1996.
- A collaborative computing tool, probably CVW, installed and operational
in at least four sites., as early as possible, but no later than 1 April
1995.
- On line CCTWG meeting held by 1 June 1996.
- Plan, evaluate and report on issues and requirements for collaborative
computing in the Intelink environment. This will become a dynamic report
in that it will be updated. Funding for this activity is TBD.
MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE
The executive oversight of the CCTWG Working Group will be provided by the
Intelink Engineering Board. The IEB will make implementation and execution
decisions with regard to the CCTWG Working Group output.
Membership to the CCTWG Working Group is open to Intelligence Systems Board
(ISB) government members and their representatives, either government or
contractor. Membership from organizations outside the Metropolitan Washington
D.C. area, e.g., NAIC, is encouraged. The Intelink Support Management Center
(ISMC) will name a representative to the working group. The Chairperson,
CCTWG Working Group is Ms. Kim Walls, CIA.
The Chairman, CCTWG Working Group shall report the status of activity at
all IEB meetings. Extraordinary events deemed appropriate for reporting
prior to an IEB meeting shall be reported to the Chairman, IEB.
The CCTWG Working Group shall meet at the call of the Chairman, but will
meet no less than monthly. Once a product is identified and installed, CCTWG
meetings may be held on line.
Products of the CCTWG will be staged on the ISMC-controlled servers for
Intelink and Intelink-S as well as Lotus Notes for CIA consumers.
22 November 1995