Internet Society

Revision as of 01:31, 22 February 2011 by Andrew (talk | contribs) (Overview: deleting repeated info)
Type: Non-Profit Organization
Industry: Internet Education, Policy
Founded: 1992
Country: International
Website: ISOC.org


ISOC is the acronym for The Internet Society, which is an international, non-profit organization that promotes Internet use and access.[1]

Overview edit

ISOC was founded in 1992 and provides Internet direction for standards, policy and education. The main ISOC offices are located in Geneva, Switzerland and near Washington, USA.

ISOC's mission is to ensure and sustain an open development, use and evolution of the Internet for the benefit of all members and users throughout the world.

The Internet Society organizes conferences and events all around the world, including the INET ISOC Conferences. Users, technologists, and operators are brought together at these conferences to focus on the development of local and global Internet issues.[2]

ISOC History edit

The Internet Society was founded in 1992 having as main objective to provide support for the development of Internet standards. A document was released "Announcing ISOC" which informed regarding the purpose and role of this institution.

ISOC is considered as the parent corporation of IETF ( Internet Engineering Task Force).IETF is still has an important role even if both institutions operate based on similar functions.

ISOC Purpose edit

Based on the "Announcing ISOC" its purpose and tasks are listed below:

  • The support the Internet's evolution as a research infrastructure and to encourage the involvements of specialized and experienced communities (such as the engineering community) in the Internet's evolution.
  • To inform the academic communities regarding the use of the Internet and the latest applications develop.
  • To represent the home for other groups which are involved in the development of Internet standards such as IETF and IAB (Internet Architecture Board).
  • The encourage and promote scientific applications for the Internet in the benefit of worldwide users but also for institutions and organizations who use the Internet.
  • Ensure leadership regarding Internet issues related to its future.
  • To create and sustain a forum for discussions and exploration of innovative Internet applications.
  • To coordinate the initiatives related to Internet development and standards from members throughout the world. [3]

ISOC Membership edit

The members of ISOC are both individuals or organizations such as governments, corporations and others. In the case of individual members of ISOC, there are no membership fees incurred. ISOC's individual and organizational members are bound by a common stake in order to maintain the Internets' viability and global scaling. [4] From all around the world, ISOC is comprised today of more then 80 organizations and 28000 individual members.

References edit