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Posted to general@incubator.apache.org by Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com> on 2008/01/24 20:56:12 UTC
[PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Hi all,
in an effort of being accepted for incubation, at Tiles we decided to
rename the previous posted Dimensions project to Kaolin. I modified
the proposal accordingly:
http://wiki.apache.org/incubator/KaolinProposal
We are still waiting for a Champion to help us entering the incubation process.
Moreover, I resolved some copyright issues, so now the other developer
is available to sign a software grant.
Thanks in advance.
Here follows the raw wiki page.
= Kaolin Project Proposal =
''This is a draft version of the Kaolin proposal. Please use the
Incubator general mailing list or the separate
KaolinProposalDiscussion page to discuss this proposal. You can
"Subscribe" this page to get notified whenever changes are made. See
the'' [http://incubator.apache.org/guides/proposal.html proposal
guide] ''for a description of the expected proposal content.''
''Author:'' Antonio Petrelli [[MailTo(apetrelli AT apache DOT org)]]
''Date:'' January 2008
''Online version:'' http://wiki.apache.org/incubator/KaolinProposal
''Status:'' .:: D R A F T ::.
== Kaolin, a multi-channel framework Proposal ==
=== Abstract ===
Kaolin is an Apache Tiles extension that delivers customized content
for different users, devices or other criteria.
=== Proposal ===
The Kaolin extension for Apache Tiles is capable of delivering
different "aspects" of the same website. By recognizing the calling
user and its devices, it organizes the pages using different layout,
depending on the developers configuration.
This is especially useful for multi-channel websites, to allow a wider
range of users to visit a site, by reducing the size of pages for
smaller screens, or by showing certain page sections only if a user
has sufficient credentials.
Kaolin is the new name of [http://mutidimensions.sourceforge.net/
Dimensions], due to the fact that there is already a software called
Dimensions.
Kaolin natural place is as an Apache Tiles extension, since it relies
on Tiles' concepts, like "definition" and "Definitions''''''Factory",
and it cannot exist without Tiles.
=== Background ===
The initial idea was to deliver different views for different client
devices, leaving the same business logic and control. This way much of
the development can be reused, changing only the "view" layer of the
application.
In 2004 the ability of delivering different contents was extended not
only on different calling devices, but also on different calling users
role. This kind of capability is enabled by using configuration files,
that maps all user roles/device crosspoints to a certain site layout.
The concept of a "dimension" arised: the user role was a dimension,
while the device was the other. But this kind of concept can be
extended infinitely, allowing to create a n-dimensional space in which
each crosspoint is a website layout.
The name "Kaolin" came out when we needed to rename Dimensions: the
kaolin is the main constituent of tiles (as in masonry) and colored as
the need of the end customers.
=== Rationale ===
Currently, when a Java EE website needs to be ported for other
devices, it needed the creation of a new project, or at least a new
section of the same project. This kind of procedure can lead to code
repetition and lack of coherence.
Kaolin solves this problem by providing customized aspects for the
same website: only the visible part of it will change (depending on
the condition imposed by the developer), but the rest of it will
remain the same, including the "controller" and "model" part of the
application.
=== Initial Goals ===
The initial goals of the proposed project are:
* Include the Apache Software Foundation header in all source code.
* Viable community around the Kaolin codebase.
* Active relationships and possible cooperation with related
projects and communities, especially those that include Apache Tiles
support.
* Clean-up of the code, by following the Apache Tiles standard.
==== Current Status ====
===== Meritocracy =====
All initial committers are familiar with the meritocracy principles of
Apache, and have already worked on the various source codebases. We
will follow the normal meritocracy rules also with other potential
contributors.
===== Community =====
Kaolin community will be, probably, Apache Tiles community. But there
are a number of similar targeted projects around the WWW that could
help in creating a broader one.
===== Core Developers =====
The initial set of developers comes from various backgrounds, as they
are in Apache Tiles project, with different but compatible needs for
the proposed project.
===== Alignment =====
Kaolin will likely be widely used by various open source and
commercial projects that have a dependency on Apache Tiles.
==== Known Risks ====
===== Orphaned products =====
There is a risk of making Kaolin an orphaned product, but most
probably it will follow Apache Tiles steps. Since Tiles is widely
adopted in Java EE applications, it is difficult that Kaolin will be
abandoned.
===== Inexperience with open source =====
All the initial developers have worked and are PMC members of Apache Tiles.
===== Homogeneous developers =====
The initial developers come from a variety of backgrounds and with a
variety of needs for the proposed extension.
===== Reliance on salaried developers =====
Kaolin does not rely on salaried developers.
===== Relationships with Other Apache Products =====
Kaolin is strongly related to Apache Tiles to the point that it should
be a subproject of it.
Kaolin relies on Tiles' concepts, like "definition" and
"DefinitionsFactory". Kaolin cannot exist without Tiles.
===== An Excessive Fascination with the Apache Brand =====
All of us are familiar with Apache and we have participated in Apache
projects as contributors, committers, and PMC members. We feel that
Apache Tiles is a natural home for a project like this.
=== Documentation ===
The official documentation is hosted in a Sourceforge website:
[http://mutidimensions.sourceforge.net/]
The [http://www.w3.org/Mobile/CCPP/Historic-CCPP1 CC/PP standard] is
used to recognize certain devices..
=== Initial Source ===
Kaolin will take all of his source code from
[http://mutidimensions.sourceforge.net/ Dimensions Sourceforge site].
Due to the fact that there is an existing piece of software named
Dimensions, Tiles developers decided to rename it to Kaolin.
=== Source and Intellectual Property Submission Plan ===
All source code is copyrighted by Aaron Roller, Free2''''''Be LLC,
Antonio Petrelli.
Aaron Roller wants to donate the code without further involvement in
the the development but he has not filed a CLA yet.
Free2''''''Be LLC changed its name to "Motion''''''Based", and Aaron
Roller is the sole owner and committer of the code.
=== External Dependencies ===
Kaolin depends on Apache Tiles and some Jakarta Commons libraries.
The only dependency outside of Apache is [http://www.dom4j.org/
DOM4J], that is BSD-style licensed.
=== Cryptography ===
Kaolin does not handle cryptography in any way.
=== Required Resources ===
==== mailing list(s) ====
During incubation, the Kaolin team could make use of the usual set of lists
* kaolin-user AT incubator DOT apache DOT org
* kaolin-dev AT incubator DOT apache DOT org
* kaolin-commits AT incubator DOT apache DOT org
until Kaolin really joins Apache Tiles.
==== Subversion repository ====
* [https://svn.apache.org/repos/asf/incubator/kaolin]
==== Issue Tracking ====
* Kaolin (KAO) inside [https://issues.apache.org/struts/ Struts JIRA
instance], under the "Tiles Framework" category.
=== Initial Committers ===
* Antonio Petrelli: apetrelli at apache dot org
* Craig R. Mc''''''Clanahan: craigmcc at apache dot org
* David H. De''''''Wolf: ddewolf at apache dot org
* Greg Reddin: greddin at apache dot org
* Joe Germuska: germuska at apache dot org
* Martin Cooper: martinc at apache dot org
* Nathan Bubna: nbubna at apache dot org
* Wendy Smoak: wsmoak at apache dot org
=== Affiliations ===
No affiliations.
=== Sponsors ===
==== Champion ====
==== Nominated Mentors ====
==== Sponsoring Entity ====
* Apache Tiles Project.
=== Annotations ===
No annotations
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Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com>.
2008/1/26, Roland Weber <os...@dubioso.net>:
> Antonio Petrelli wrote:
> > 2008/1/26, Niclas Hedhman <ni...@hedhman.org>:
> >> On Friday 25 January 2008 03:56, Antonio Petrelli wrote:
> >>> ==== Champion ====
> >> You have several ASF Members listed as initial committers. Howcome none has
> >> stepped up as Champion and Mentors?
> >
> > The list contains *all* of the committers/PMC members of Tiles (since
> > we would like Kaolin to be a Tiles subproject), not only the active
> > ones, since when it will become a part of Tiles, all of the Tiles'
> > volunteers will become automatically Kaolin's volunteers. Or am I
> > missing something?
>
> I believe it would be more appropriate to just list the people that
> actually intend to spend time on the project in the Incubator.
I removed the surely-inactive committers. I sent an email to dev@tiles
to see to collect the really-interested people. I will keep you
informed.
Thanks
Antonio
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Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Roland Weber <os...@dubioso.net>.
Antonio Petrelli wrote:
> 2008/1/26, Niclas Hedhman <ni...@hedhman.org>:
>> On Friday 25 January 2008 03:56, Antonio Petrelli wrote:
>>> ==== Champion ====
>> You have several ASF Members listed as initial committers. Howcome none has
>> stepped up as Champion and Mentors?
>
> The list contains *all* of the committers/PMC members of Tiles (since
> we would like Kaolin to be a Tiles subproject), not only the active
> ones, since when it will become a part of Tiles, all of the Tiles'
> volunteers will become automatically Kaolin's volunteers. Or am I
> missing something?
I believe it would be more appropriate to just list the people that
actually intend to spend time on the project in the Incubator. The
_active_ community is a health indicator for podlings. If you don't
have three active committers in the podling, it won't graduate to
become a part of Tiles.
cheers,
Roland
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Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com>.
2008/1/26, Niclas Hedhman <ni...@hedhman.org>:
> On Friday 25 January 2008 03:56, Antonio Petrelli wrote:
> > ==== Champion ====
>
> You have several ASF Members listed as initial committers. Howcome none has
> stepped up as Champion and Mentors?
That's a nice question. In fact I asked this question to dev@tiles and
dev@struts, but no one responded. I think that these ASF members are
some sort of "inactive" (no offense intended).
The list contains *all* of the committers/PMC members of Tiles (since
we would like Kaolin to be a Tiles subproject), not only the active
ones, since when it will become a part of Tiles, all of the Tiles'
volunteers will become automatically Kaolin's volunteers. Or am I
missing something?
> In general, I am slightly in favour of this project entering incubation.
Thanks :-)
Antonio
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Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Niclas Hedhman <ni...@hedhman.org>.
On Friday 25 January 2008 03:56, Antonio Petrelli wrote:
> ==== Champion ====
You have several ASF Members listed as initial committers. Howcome none has
stepped up as Champion and Mentors?
In general, I am slightly in favour of this project entering incubation.
Cheers
--
Niclas Hedhman, Software Developer
I live here; http://tinyurl.com/2qq9er
I work here; http://tinyurl.com/2ymelc
I relax here; http://tinyurl.com/2cgsug
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Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com>.
2008/2/1, Jukka Zitting <ju...@gmail.com>:
>
> Hi,
>
> On Jan 27, 2008 12:49 PM, Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> > 2008/1/26, Jukka Zitting <ju...@gmail.com>:
> > > Is there interest in growing an independent Kaolin community,
> > > or should the codebase perhaps just be contributed (with a software
> > > grant) as an add-on component to Apache Tiles?
> >
> > The add-on option will fit best. At this point, does it need to pass
> > through the incubator, or a software grant is enough?
>
> A software grant and the IP clearance process [1] sounds like the
> right option here if the Tiles PMC is interested in adopting Kaolin.
> Going through normal incubation is also possible if you want to focus
> more on growing an independent community around the Kaolin codebase.
Definitely Thank You Jukka! I think that the IP clearance is the right
option, since the community will not be independent from Tiles ones. I will
prepare it ASAP.
Thanks again
Antonio
Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Jukka Zitting <ju...@gmail.com>.
Hi,
On Jan 27, 2008 12:49 PM, Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 2008/1/26, Jukka Zitting <ju...@gmail.com>:
> > Is there interest in growing an independent Kaolin community,
> > or should the codebase perhaps just be contributed (with a software
> > grant) as an add-on component to Apache Tiles?
>
> The add-on option will fit best. At this point, does it need to pass
> through the incubator, or a software grant is enough?
A software grant and the IP clearance process [1] sounds like the
right option here if the Tiles PMC is interested in adopting Kaolin.
Going through normal incubation is also possible if you want to focus
more on growing an independent community around the Kaolin codebase.
[1] http://incubator.apache.org/ip-clearance/index.html
BR,
Jukka Zitting
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Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com>.
2008/1/26, Jukka Zitting <ju...@gmail.com>:
> Hi,
>
> On Jan 24, 2008 9:56 PM, Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Kaolin natural place is as an Apache Tiles extension, [...]
>
> As far as I can tell from the Dimension project statistics on
> SourceForge (commits only by you, and no mailing list, forum, or issue
> tracker activity) it seems like Kaolin is at the moment your personal
> project.
Yes, and no. Dimensions has been started by Aaron Roller, and you can
find the original codebase in the CVS (I migrated to SVN because it is
better :-) ). I believe that Dimensions simply lacks publicity...
> Is there interest in growing an independent Kaolin community,
> or should the codebase perhaps just be contributed (with a software
> grant) as an add-on component to Apache Tiles?
The add-on option will fit best. At this point, does it need to pass
through the incubator, or a software grant is enough?
> > ===== Community =====
> >
> > Kaolin community will be, probably, Apache Tiles community.
>
> What is the current Kaolin community?
The "current" community is hard to say. I heard Aaron Rolller that at
MotionBased use a modified version of Dimensions.
About the future, I think that WURFL:
http://wurfl.sourceforge.net/
and Milyn Tinak:
http://milyn.codehaus.org/Tinak
can become part of the community, at least for the device recognition part.
I modified the wiki page to clarify the community.
>
> > ==== Known Risks ====
> >
> > ===== Orphaned products =====
> >
> > There is a risk of making Kaolin an orphaned product, but most
> > probably it will follow Apache Tiles steps. Since Tiles is widely
> > adopted in Java EE applications, it is difficult that Kaolin will be
> > abandoned.
>
> How does this relate to the fact that the latest Dimensions news and
> releases are from year 2005?
In the SVN there is (or better was, since I had not time to update it)
an ongoing effort to port Dimensions to Tiles 2. Since I was busy in
Tiles development itself, Dimensions staled.
> Note that for all I know Kaolin could be one of the hidden gems of
> open source, but without some more background I'm a bit concerned
> about the apparent lack of general interest or community around the
> codebase.
Yes, I understand it very well :-) IMHO the fact that you are asking
so many questions means that the interest is growing :-)
Thanks
Antonio
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Re: [PROPOSAL] Kaolin (renamed from Dimensions)
Posted by Jukka Zitting <ju...@gmail.com>.
Hi,
On Jan 24, 2008 9:56 PM, Antonio Petrelli <an...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Kaolin natural place is as an Apache Tiles extension, [...]
As far as I can tell from the Dimension project statistics on
SourceForge (commits only by you, and no mailing list, forum, or issue
tracker activity) it seems like Kaolin is at the moment your personal
project. Is there interest in growing an independent Kaolin community,
or should the codebase perhaps just be contributed (with a software
grant) as an add-on component to Apache Tiles?
> ===== Community =====
>
> Kaolin community will be, probably, Apache Tiles community.
What is the current Kaolin community?
> ==== Known Risks ====
>
> ===== Orphaned products =====
>
> There is a risk of making Kaolin an orphaned product, but most
> probably it will follow Apache Tiles steps. Since Tiles is widely
> adopted in Java EE applications, it is difficult that Kaolin will be
> abandoned.
How does this relate to the fact that the latest Dimensions news and
releases are from year 2005?
Note that for all I know Kaolin could be one of the hidden gems of
open source, but without some more background I'm a bit concerned
about the apparent lack of general interest or community around the
codebase.
BR,
Jukka Zitting
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