[Initiative]: Specification matriculation process and lifecycle definition

[TheFoxAtWork]

Name

Specification

Short description

This initiative will define special considerations, criteria, exceptions, and the matriculation process for specification projects. It will also include pathway for spec standardization.

Responsible group

TOC

Does the initiative belong to a subproject?

No

Subproject name

No response

Primary contact

TheFoxAtWork

Additional contacts

Dims Joanna

Initiative description

This 3 month initiative is designed to review past specification projects as they have moved levels to develop a framework by which the TOC can more efficiently and consistently perform due diligence on specification projects. Due to lack of clarity and understanding in the difference specifications projects have from traditional projects, the TOC spends a fair amount of time discussing and rediscussing how these are reviewed and evaluated. Additionally, as cloud native become more ubiquitous, several specifications with widespread adoption are ready to begin the process for standardization, a process that is easier to pursue when considered from the beginning of the specification's development.

Deliverable(s) or exit criteria

Specific deliverables of this initiative minimally include:

• modification to the TOC DD guide covering special considerations, exceptions, and guidance where specifications are concerned
• modification to the moving levels criteria specifically identifying caveats for specifications
• incorporation of requirements and workflow for specification projects to be eligible for submission to the JDF (development into standards)

[dims]

Some prior art for the record that the TOC has dealt with in the past:

• SPIFFE / SPIRE as an example of a Spec + Implementation - https://github.com/cncf/toc/blob/main/projects/spiffe-spire/spiffe-spire-graduation-proposal.md
• CloudEvents - https://github.com/cncf/toc/blob/main/projects/cloudevents/cloudevents-graduation-dd.md

[TheFoxAtWork]

Additional:

• CNI - spec + libraries: https://github.com/cncf/toc/blob/main/projects/cni/cni-incubation-proposal.adoc
• OpenFeature - spec + community reference implementations: https://github.com/cncf/toc/blob/main/projects/openfeature/openfeature-incubation-proposal.md
• TUF - spec + framework: https://github.com/cncf/toc/blob/main/projects/tuf/tuf-graduation-proposal.md
• intoto - framework + spec: https://github.com/cncf/toc/blob/main/projects/in-toto/in-toto-graduation-proposal.md

[angellk]

Thank you @TheFoxAtWork and @dims -- this will help provide clarification for specification projects and moving levels

[leonardpahlke]

+1 would be great to get a better overview and structure to cncf specs and cncf project related specs. Established standards and sort of the ones in sandboxing mode are a huge contribution to the community and sometimes maybe a bit overlooked (at least i think so).

[riaankleinhans]

This initiative has been approved by the TOC and is ready to be worked on with the appropriate TAG and TOC liaison.