OASIS ebXML Messaging Services TC

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RE: [ebxml-msg] Issue 15: Use of the word OPTIONAL

  • 1.  RE: [ebxml-msg] Issue 15: Use of the word OPTIONAL

    Posted 02-13-2002 17:10
    
    David,
    
    We are trying to say that "OPTIONAL" or "optional" tells a vendor that the
    vendor need not implement the feature (per RFC2119).  That's not what is
    wanted  for Role.  You have to mean "optional" without saying "optional".
    There aren't any really good synonyms of "optional" ("discretionary" has
    been suggested).  You also have to mean "optional" without saying "may"
    either, for the same reason.  For elements, the CPPA spec avoids "optional"
    and "may" by mentioning the cardinality instead. Example: "The Role element
    can be included zero or one time."
    
    Regards,
    Marty
    
    *************************************************************************************
    
    Martin W. Sachs
    IBM T. J. Watson Research Center
    P. O. B. 704
    Yorktown Hts, NY 10598
    914-784-7287;  IBM tie line 863-7287
    Notes address:  Martin W Sachs/Watson/IBM
    Internet address:  mwsachs @ us.ibm.com
    *************************************************************************************
    
    
    
    David Fischer <david@drummondgroup.com> on 02/13/2002 04:24:26 PM
    
    To:    Christopher Ferris <chris.ferris@sun.com>
    cc:    ebXML <ebxml-msg@lists.oasis-open.org>
    Subject:    RE: [ebxml-msg] Issue 15: Use of the word OPTIONAL
    
    
    
    Chris,
    
    When you proposed the Role element you said it was OPTIONAL and the team
    agreed
    to add it as OPTIONAL.  When you proposed this element (see original issue
    128 -- attached) you said:
    
    Issue Add Role as an optional element within both From and To
     elements. Role should be indpendently wihtin the messaging
     spec with a non-normative note that describes how it
     relates to the BPSS spec.
    
    The minutes from 11-05-01 again say Role is OPTIONAL.
    
    Why are we changing now?  Role has always been OPTIONAL, let's leave it
    alone.
    
    Regards,
    
    David.