About Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are technical working groups that develop enhancements to the ODVA Specifications as well as guidelines and recommendations for the application of ODVA technologies. ODVA members in good standing are eligible to participate in these SIGS, subject to the privileges of membership for the member's class of membership and participation requirements for specific SIGs. The SIGs are managed by the Technical Review Board (TRB) of ODVA. The TRB approves the formation of SIGs and their work plans. A SIG may focus on a specific industry or vertical market, on a specific device type, or on particular areas of network functionality.
The SIG Work Process
Members of a SIG work together in a collaborative process to develop the specification enhancements, guidelines and recommendations. SIGs meet and operate independently in face-to-face meetings, teleconferences and using electronic communications as the SIG determines at its own discretion. The work in the SIGs is governed by the Policy Regarding Intellectual Property and the Participation Agreement for ODVA Work Groups. All work produced through the collaboration of a SIG is voted on by the SIG. Each member receives only one vote, regardless of how many individuals from a specific member participate in the SIG, except that should two or more members be affiliated with one another, then the affiliated group receives only one vote. Items completed and approved by a SIG in this collaborative process must then be submitted to the ODVA TRB for approval.
Joining a SIG
Employees, officers and directors ("Individuals") from ODVA members in good standing are eligible to join SIGs, subject to the privileges of membership for the member's class of membership and participation requirements for specific SIGs. For each specific SIG that an Individual wishes to join, the Individual must document that he or she meets its participation requirements and sign and submit the Participation Agreement for ODVA Work Groups to ODVA for acceptance. No Individual shall be allowed to participate in a SIG unless he/she meets its participation requirements and the Participation Agreement has been accepted by ODVA. Individuals are encouraged to: 1) contact the chair of the SIG for more information about the approved work plan for and current work of the group and 2) read the Policy Regarding Intellectual Property before signing the Participation Agreement. See above for links to the Participation Agreement and other relevant documents.
Once the Participation Agreement has been accepted and it has been demonstrated that any additional participation requirements have been met, the chair of the SIG will be notified that the new Individual has joined and the Individual will be notified by the chair of future meetings and activities. Fax completed Participation Agreements to ODVA on 1-734-922-0027.
Forming a New SIG
If a member has interest in doing work with a SIG that is not covered by the approved work plans of the existing SIGs, two or more members may propose a SIG to the TRB of ODVA by submitting a proposal to the TRB in the form approved by the TRB. This proposal shall define, for the proposed SIG, its proposed goals, the needs being addressed, its basic work plan, interim chair and initial proposed members. If the TRB approves the formation of the proposed SIG, then an offer shall be extended to all members ODVA to join the SIG. Members interested in proposing the formation of new SIGs should contact the Executive Director for further direction.