ACTS Guidelines proposed
The index of proposed ACTS guidelines has recently been published on the ACTSLINE Web site. The guidelines aim at developing consensus for a strategic approach by players in communication technologies involved in the introduction or early use of advanced communication services. ACTS (Advanced Communications Technologies and Services) is the focus of the EU's research effort in advanced communications. It forms part of the European Commission's Fourth Framework Programme for research and technological development. Leading edge users, service providers, network operations, broadcasters, manufacturers, research and educational institutions and consultants pool their knowledge and resources in pursuit of specific research and trial objectives defined by the ACTS workplan. Within the programme, clusters of projects known as 'chains' study specific issues which have strategic importance outside of the ACTS Programme itself. These include interoperability issues that cut across domain boundaries. The chains are organised into five chain groups: - Broadband access networks, economics and evolution; - Network level inter-operability and management; - Global service integration (end to end multimedia services); - Generic access to applications (the users perspective); - CATV Guidelines. A key function of these chains is to develop and publish strategic guidelines. Approximately 70 guidelines are under development and around 45 of these have been published in draft form by the Commission. As of October 1998 the ACTSLINE Web site includes the latest versions of Tranche 1 and 2 Guidelines as endorsed by the ACTS Concertation Steering Committee.