[Opensim-dev] Deprecate OpenSim.Grid.InventoryServer and OpenSim.Grid.AssetServer?

[Melanie]

Hi,

this has been spoken about extensively, mostly on IRC. It is NOT 
about _changing_ OGS1. It's about replacing it.

OGS1 is a monolithic juggernaut that stubbornly resists evolutionary 
pressures. It can't be updates any more than the dinosaurs could be. 
The smaller, faster mammals (services) will push it out of the 
picture. This has already happened for assets and inventory.

The basic structure is as Diva describes:

IN_Connector -> Service -> Out_Connector

where each is optional.

So, a region will normally load either a service (standalone mode) 
or a out connector, which will then connect it to an in connector on 
a server that then loads the service.

The interesting part is that the system of connectors allows up to 
design more sane wire protocols - but not if we have legacy servers 
around that don't subscribe to the connectors system and lock the 
present wire protocol in place.

So, as B.U.S.T. gains implants for a protocol (using a compatible 
wire protocol plugin at first), the corresponding legacy server 
needs to go.
Then new protocol plugins can be developed that are more sane, allow 
more functionality, have more security, or whatever other 
improvements. The servers will be able to follow such protocol 
changes in mix & match fashion by using appropriate connectors.

Melanie



Justin Clark-Casey wrote:
> Mike Dickson wrote:
>> On Wed, 2009-07-08 at 14:48 +0000, Melanie wrote:
>>> Charles, I said documentation is on it's way. I would like to get 
>>> people's opinions on moving forward with deprecating the old 
>>> servers, not people's opinions on the obvious need for documentation.
>>>
>>> Further, if the old servers are kept, they will have to be 
>>> maintained indefinitely and so will the protocols, blocking any real 
>>> progress. So, could you please explain your -1?
>> 
>> You mentioned (and Justin I think asked for details) on protocols changing. 
>> Which protocols are you refering to (inter-server protocol, client-server protocol)?
> 
> Yes, you (Melanie) have mentioned 'new' protocols but afaik this is the first I've heard of this.  Changing OGS1 
> protocols is a big upheaval and should be properly laid out and peer reviewed before work starts. not after or during. 
> Going down the wrong path now will be expensive later on.
> 
> If you can point me towards existing documentation on this (if it's part of BUST) that would be appreciated.
> 
> Thankyou for writing the existing documentation on BUST.  I'm sure if the new technology is well received then we can 
> deprecate and remove the old servers.
> 
> I also don't like the name 'BUST'.  As we've already *very extensively seen*, we should not assume a sense of humour on 
> the part of others.  A compromise would be to change the server prompt.
> 
>> 
>> In general I'm +1 for this since I'd really like to see the core settle
>> down into a stable state and getting the refactoring behind us is a
>> prereq. for that.  I certainly understand the desire for doco so people
>> know what they're being asked for feedback on however.
> 
> Absolutely.  Asking for a general vote on progress is like proposing a vote on motherhood and apple pie.  We can only 
> make meaningful votes on specific proposals.
> 
> I'm actually now confused on whether you're asking for a vote on eventually deprecating the old servers (but not before 
> another vote) or on changing basic grid protocols.  I assume it is the former rather than the latter.
>