ARIN is A Good Thing

[Jim Browning]

This is a public expression of opinion which has also been sent privately 
to appropriate governmental organizations...

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I am writing this to express ATMnet's support for ARIN (the American 
Registry for Internet Numbers) in the strongest possible terms.  It is of 
the utmost importance that the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) 
addresses not be jeopardized by the turmoil currently surround the Domain 
Name System (DNS), and that immediate steps be taken to move in the 
direction defined in the ARIN proposal.  DNS issues are primarily related 
to factors such as market leverage, and obtaining any particular domain 
name can be viewed as something of a luxury.  IP Addresses, on the other 
hand, are of operational concern, and timely and appropriate access to this 
resource is absolutely required for the continued growth of the Internet.

Obtaining consensus on any important Internet related topic is 
excruciatingly difficult in today's environment.  Nowhere is this more 
obvious than in the debates over DNS and IP Addresses.  Fortunately, there 
are stark contrasts between the two issues.

The DNS debates are filled with rancor and punctuated by alternative 
efforts and litigation.

While ARIN has been a subject of hot debate, there is nonetheless a rough 
consensus within the Internet community that establishing a non-profit 
entity to handle the administration of this vital function is both 
necessary and appropriate.  Old-timers and newcomers have found some common 
ground.  There are of course those who would like to see things taken in a 
different direction, as there always will be when something of this nature 
is discussed.  There are also issues which still need to be resolved, and a 
lot of work which needs to be done.  ATMnet is confident that the people 
trying to accomplish these tasks have the necessary skills, ethics and 
standing in the community to get the job done right.

There is "rough consensus".  There is "running code" in the form of the 
people and systems currently performing the function, and the two similar 
entities (APNIC and RIPE) which are already in operation under similar 
charters.  It is time for ARIN to move forward unfettered by Federal 
intervention or oversight.

When confronted with change and new alternatives, the appropriate direction 
to take is not always evident.  In this case however, it is clear to ATMnet 
that ARIN deserves all our support simply because it is the right thing to 
do for the health of a growing and vibrant industry.
--
Jim Browning <jfbb at ATMnet.net>
CEO, ATMnet  <www.ATMnet.net>