RFC 1107 (rfc1107) - Page 1 of 19
Plan for Internet directory services
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group K. Sollins
Request for Comments: 1107 M.I.T. Laboratory for Computer Science
July 1989
A Plan for Internet Directory Services
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
1.1. The Issues 1
1.2. Project Summary 3
2. Goals and Requirements for a White Pages Service 6
3. Pre-existing Services 9
4. Proposed Approach 11
4.1. Stage 1: The Field Test 12
4.2. Stage 2: Implementation 17
4.3. Stage 3: Deployment 17
5. Conclusion 18
Status of this Memo
This memo proposes a program to develop a directory service for the
Internet. It reports the results of a meeting held in February 1989,
which was convened to review requirements and options for such a
service. This proposal is offered for comment, and does not
represent a committed research activity of the Internet community.
Activity in this area is anticipated, and comments should be provided
promptly. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
1. Introduction
1.1. The Issues
As part of the planned growth of the Internet (in particular, in
support of the full science research community in the U.S.), an
increasing need is anticipated for various sorts of directory
services. The increase in the size of the community served by the
Internet and the burgeoning demands for electronic mail lead to the
need for a service to find people's computer mailboxes and other
relevant facts, a so-called "White Pages" service. At the user level
to date, there have been no such national or international white
pages services in general use. As part of building the National
Research Network (NRN), it is important that such a service exist,
not only within the NRN community, but also crossing the boundaries
from the NRN to the more global network community. This will enhance
communication not only among computer scientists, but also among
Sollins
