Internet Society
ISOC is the acronym for Internet Society and represents an international and non-profit organization that promotes Internet use and access. [1]
Short 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. The main headquarters are located in Reston, Virginia, USA.
The mission of ISOC is to ensure and sustain an open development, use and evolution of the Internet in the benefit of all members and users throughout the world.
The Internet Society represents the heart of the Internet community and organizes conferences and events all around the world. The longest conferences and events are represented by the INET ISOC Conferences. By means of these conferences the users, technologists and operators are brought together to focus on the development of local and global Internet issues. [2]
In addition, this non-governmental international organization is focused on global cooperation and coordination for the Internet as well as internet technologies and applications.[3]
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. [4]
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. [5] From all around the world, ISOC is comprised today of more then 80 organizations and 28000 individual members.