Wording of the Virtual Webhosting Standards Policy

[Clay]

It is logical to surmise that since ARIN defines a subset of "service
provider" then it would be extremely effective, and helpful and
clarifying...For them to define the superset (Service provider).

Currently ARIN allocates address space for "end-users" and ISPs.  Typically
our Enterprise Customers are considered in the end-use catagory.  This seems
akin to defining diferent users of IP address space.  As such, a definition
of Service Provider would fit right in, as you already indicated, ARIN does
define ISP "users" of address space.

I think Jill's policy recommendation is eloquent and clear...It is simple
and easy for laymen to follow, but encompassing and difinitive, so the
requestor and its upstream provider can anchor their own IP allocation
policies upon it.

I don't see the need to add words such as "compelling" and "strongly
encourage". As you cannot "compel" a provider to even attempt efficient use
of address space when the strongest element of the policy only encourages"


Clay


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-ppml at arin.net [mailto:owner-ppml at arin.net]On Behalf Of David
R Huberman
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2001 2:43 PM
Cc: ppml at arin.net
Subject: Re: Wording of the Virtual Webhosting Standards Policy



> I think ARIN should avoid specifying what a Service Provider is or might
> be.

ARIN already defines an ISP for its own purposes and for clarity in its
policy language.

An ISP is any organization which assigns or allocates IP address space
downstream. Any organization which is the end-point of IP address usage is
defined as a non-ISP, or end-user.

> Organizations providing web hosting services must document efficient
> utilization of existing IPv4 assignments.  Where possible, name-based
> virtual hosting should be provided using HTTP1.1-host headers.  If such
> name-based virtual hosting is not possible, documentation explaining why
> it is not possible should be provided in the application.

I like the clarity of Lee's policy statment, but if I may change this
passage around just a tad:

In the interests of IPv4 address conservation, ARIN strongly encourages
the use of name-based virtual hosting utilizing HTTP 1.1-host headers.
ISPs providing web hosting services who are unable to implement name-based
virtual hosting must provide technically compelling documentation which
clearly demonstrates efficient utilization of their previous IPv4
assignments.

Maybe Lee's wording is better. You decide.

/david