Out of Band Offerings

 This project considers first and foremost what is the precise definition and intent of the SOS out-of-band mode. It could be that this is open-ended and therefore it is completely up to us to decide what it means. On the other hand, it could be a mistake to read too much into this feature. Perhaps this means only that with this option the response can be downloaded as a file from a specified server. More optimistically, perhaps this means that the user could be connected to a real-time message queue endpoint. However, there are several unanswered questions; e.g., what about overlap with WNS? On the optimistic side, I would like to think that the out-of-band option is an entry point for a real-time data distribution service for Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) services within the Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) context. The OMG Data Distribution Service is discussed as a possible solution that would have to be built. The Unidata service is discussed as a possible candidate solution if it could be adapted. Certainly the more common message-queue or database oriented solutions could be used depending on the actual requirements. A solution based on Sun OpenMQ is included. The question of edge-adapters such as RSS/GeoRSS and Atom/APPs included. The principle question of the Sensor Observation Service (SOS) out-of-band response mode is discussed. The question of TransducerML as a viable message format for real-time sensor observation data is discussed. The question of translation or alternate representations of SWE XML formats in alternative encodings such as ASN.1, IDL, and other formats is discussed. Other options include possible use of public services such as Amazon SQS/Cloudfront, or Google Data (specialization of Atom Publishing Protocol). Obviously funding is a question, and there will be no point in pursuing this as a shared project unless there is a sufficient level of interest.

Topic: Developing a Concept of Operations

Subtopics:

• What is the exact definition and intent of the out-of-band mode?
• Definition of stream in this context - what are the use-cases?
• connect to an alternate protocol end-point
• download a file from a content distribution network (CDN)
• connect to a message-queue or equivalent web-enabled endpoint such as Amazon SQS, or a custom built Atom Publishing Protocol based feed?
• Does TransducerML Fit into this Scenario?

Topic: Implementing a Real Time Data Distribution Service for OGC SWE

Subtopics:

• Possible Use of Existing NCAR/UNIDATA Service
• Possible Use of OMG Data Distribution Service
• Does this use-case fit with the intent of the out-of-band mode?
• How does TransducerML Fit into this Scenario