Resolution 2020-09-18.cl.0: ns-3 as an Associated Project

This resolution was adopted by the Board of Directors of SPI at their meeting of October 12, 2020.

WHEREAS

ns-3 is a scientific computing software for developing discrete-event network simulations in order to conduct performance studies on computer networks. ns-3 is licensed under GNU GPLv2. The project was founded in the 2005-06 timeframe as a major rewrite of a predecessor tool (ns-2).

The project mainly uses mailing lists and chat for communications, and uses the GitLab.com service for code hosting. There are roughly 1500 subscribers to our developers mailing list, 9,000 subscribers to our users forum, and between 10-20 people listed as a maintainer at any given time. The ns-3 project makes 2-3 releases annually.

The ns-3 developers would like SPI's support and assistance around accepting donations and holding funds, for example, GSoC payments and travel reimbursements. They are also interested in SPI holding trademarks on behalf of the ns-3 project.

THE SPI BOARD RESOLVES THAT

ns-3 is formally invited to become an SPI Associated Project, according to the SPI Framework for Associated Projects, SPI Resolution 1998-11-16.iwj.1-amended-2004-08-10.iwj.1, a copy of which can be found at https://www.spi-inc.org/corporate/resolutions/2004/2004-08-10.iwj.1/

Thomas (Tom) Henderson tomh@tomh.org is recognised by SPI as the authoritative decision maker and SPI liaison for ns-3. Successors will be appointed by the outgoing SPI liaison, or if the current SPI liaison is unavailable or refuses to appoint a successor, by voting/ consensus.

If the last known SPI liaison for ns-3 is missing in action, and no new SPI liaison is appointed for two consecutive years the associated project is deemed defunct.

In such a circumstance, the SPI Board will, in its good-faith discretion, proceed as follows: the Board will identify one or more other SPI associated projects or 501(c)(3) charities which can accept the project's assets and use them for a similar purpose, and transfer the assets to the identified destination or destinations as feasible. Assets for which no such transfer can be arranged within a reasonable time will become part of the SPI general fund.

This invitation will lapse, if not accepted, 60 days after it is approved by the SPI Board. Acceptance of the invitation requires a majority vote of the ns-3 project as per the process above.