This Network Update was distributed via the Exchange Network email alerts list on June 11, 2007.

Network Technology Group to Host Open Calls on Node 2.0

On June 20 and 21 from 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time, the Exchange Network's Network Technology Group (NTG) will host open calls to inform the Network community on the status and schedule for Node 2.0, collect feedback, and discuss how Network partners can participate in Node 2.0 development. The agendas for these open calls will complement and expand on information presented during the April 2007 Exchange Network National Meeting in New Orleans. These conference calls will use web conferencing software; information on how to join the web conferences is listed at the end of this message.

The agenda for the June 20th call will be tailored to State agencies and Tribes that currently have Network nodes or are interested in installing a new node. The agenda for the June 21st call will be tailored to vendors who are interested in coding a 2.0 Node implementation and to State and Tribal participants who are interested in coding their own node implementation using the Node 2.0 Protocol and Specification.

Background Information on Node 2.0
The functional specification for Exchange Network Nodes has been in operation since 2002. During that time, it has been remarkably stable and continues to effectively meet the needs of Network partners. However, some of the technologies used by Nodes have been upgraded or are being replaced, and technology vendors are decreasing implementation support for these technologies. For this reason, the governance of the Exchange Network is exploring a realignment of the Node specification with current technology standards.

In late 2006, the NTG began evaluating current Node operations with the goal of identifying new opportunities for the continued operation of Exchange Network Nodes and data exchanges. The NTG is committed to providing open lines of communication with the Network partners during all stages of Node 2.0 development.

Questions
Network partners are welcome to join one or both of the open calls. If you have any questions about the structure or agendas for the open calls, please contact the NTG Co-chairs.

Connie Dwyer, EPA Co-chair
Dwyer.connie@epa.gov
(202) 566-1691

Scott Totten, State Co-chair
scott.totten@dnr.mo.gov
(573) 751-5998

Conference Call Logistics

June 20 Open Call targeted towards States and Tribes:
Meeting name: NTG Node 2.0 States Open Call
Meeting website address: https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/587374862
Meeting ID number: 587374862
Conference line number: (605) 772-3322
Conference line access code: 374-875-198

June 21 Open Call targeted towards Vendors and Other Partners Interested in Coding Node Implementations
Meeting name: NTG Node 2.0 Node Builders Open Call
Meeting website address: https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/985457507
Meeting ID number: 985457507
Conference line number: (605) 772-3322
Conference line access code: 425-873-666

These meetings will use web conferencing software. To enter the meeting, click on the meeting website address listed above. Upon entering the meeting, you will be prompted to enter your contact information, which is used for tracking meeting attendance.

You will not be allowed to join the meeting until the Ross & Associates meeting organizer officially starts the web conference. If you attempt to join early, a screen will pop up letting you know that the system is “waiting for the meeting organizer.” Please leave this window open until the meeting is started.

When the meeting organizer starts the meeting, you will be prompted to enter your name, e-mail address, and/or other contact information. This information is used for tracking meeting attendance.

If you experience difficulties with the website link provided above, please go to www.gotomeeting.com, click “join a meeting,” and enter the meeting ID number listed above when prompted.

After you have entered the online portion of the meeting, please dial in to the telephone conference portion using the conference line number and conference line access code listed above.

If you experience problems entering the meeting, please contact Mike Reich at Ross & Associates (206-447-1805; mike.reich@ross-assoc.com) or call the software help line at 1-888-259-8414, or at gotomeetingcare@citrixonline.com.