Whois and Network Information Lookup Service (wnils) Charter Chair(s): Joan Gargano User Services Area Director(s) Joyce Reynolds Mailing lists: General Discussion:ietf-wnils@ucdavis.edu To Subscribe: ietf-wnils-request@ucdavis.edu Archive: pub/ietf-wnils-archive@ucdavis.edu Description of Working Group: The Network Information Center (NIC) maintains the central NICNAME database and server, defined in RFC 954, providing online look-up of individuals, network organizations, key nodes, and other information of interest to those who use the Internet. Other distributed directory information servers and information retrieval tools have been developed and it is anticipated more will be created. Many sites now maintain local directory servers with information about individuals, departments and services at that specific site. Typically these directory servers are network accessible. Because these servers are local, there are now wide variations in the type of data stored, access methods, search schemes, and user interfaces. The purpose of the Whois and Network Information Lookup Service (WNILS) working group is to expand and define the standard for WHOIS services, to resolve issues associated with the variations in access and to promote a consistent and predictable service across the network. Goals and Milestones: Done Review and approve the charter making any changes deemed necessary. Examine the particular functional needs for expanded whois directory service. Begin work on a framework for recommendations. Assign writing assignments for first draft of document. Nov 92 Post the Whois and Network Information Lookup Service Recommendations document as an Internet Draft. Dec 92 Submit the Whois and Network Information Lookup Service Recommendations document to the IESG as an Informational document. Dec 92 Post a revised WHOIS protocols specification as an Internet Draft. Dec 92 Submit the revised WHOIS protocol documents to the IESG as Draft Standards.