[Opensim-dev] The Future of Open Simulator(?) (UNCLASSIFIED)

[Myron Curtis]

I have to second this statement. At the very least, we need an industry
advisory committee working on creating a practical and scalable model of
Opensim's development. 
I do feel that while the core is evolving, we should also build a project
around managing and improving access to the APIs to encourage the
development of add on modules which would contribute to the scalability and
expansion of Opensim's capabilities.

-----Original Message-----
From: opensim-dev-bounces at opensimulator.org
[mailto:opensim-dev-bounces at opensimulator.org] On Behalf Of Maxwell, Douglas
CIV USARMY ARL (US)
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 9:59 AM
To: opensim-dev at opensimulator.org
Subject: [Opensim-dev] The Future of Open Simulator(?) (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Projects evolve.

I couldn't begin to estimate the amount of work that has gone into this
valuable project.  The potential for technical and economic success is
profound and I see a bright future for the Open Simulator.  That said, I
fear we are at a crossroads at this time with this project.

It is unclear at this time what the maintainers of the Open Simulator code
have planned for the project.  Is there a roadmap or some sort of
goals/objectives you are working against?  What development targets would
you like to see met in 12, 16, and 24 months from now?

The MOSES project has needs & requirements that we are stepping up and
supporting with internal development, but we aren't the drivers for the Open
Simulator project.  We've done our own internal gap analysis and determined
where in the OS code there should be investment in stability, monitoring,
and scalability improvements.  In short, we are returning our code to you to
adhere and abide by applicable derivative source code licensing terms.

I believe the removal of the Overte as a formal governing entity is a
mistake if you plan to encourage participation from business and government.
The CLA was viewed by my organization as a formalized relationship
acknowledging the legal responsibility of open source code stewardship and
use.

If this were simply a hobby, then Overte and the CLA would not be needed. 
However, the Open Simulator is being used by businesses charging money for
service, by researchers studying human behavior and technical behavior, by
educators, and more.  Like it or not, you have created a product that needs
management and attention at a higher level than the ad-hoc method that is
currently your standard operating procedures.

Project management must evolve.

As projects are started at the grass roots and then emerge as valued
commodities, the need for different styles of management is required.  A
project with two active developers is different than a project with 20 or
200. 
If the management does not evolve, then the project will be limited and
growth is not possible.  I encourage you to think about a new structure that
can handle influx of large amounts of donated code in a short time.  The
kinds of investments needed to make this a world class simulator requires
you to step up and begin project planning.

This is a community effort.

If the community values this work and would like to see it grow or even
receive maintenance, then the community must voice.  This code does not
belong in the hands of a gov't agency or corporate entity.  This code
belongs in the hands of a strong non-profit that can handle grant and
contract funds to pay a staff of maintainers, code reviewers, testers, and
functional area code managers.  This could be an Overte spin-off, or even an
academic institution of some kind.

I've given you a glimpse into what the next 9 months of development for the
MOSES related Open Simulator issues.  We came in this spring at a time when
development seemed to be winding down and things were quiet after the 0.8.x
releases.  What will you do when we reach the logical conclusion of our
work? 
What is next for Open Simulator?

I look forward to your feedback and constructive discourse.

v/r -doug

Dr. Douglas Maxwell
Science and Technology Manager
Virtual World Strategic Applications
U.S. Army Research Lab
Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC)
(c) (407) 242-0209



Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE