RFC 1274 (rfc1274) - Page 1 of 60

The COSINE and Internet X

Network Working Group                                          P. Barker
Request for Comments: 1274                                      S. Kille
                                               University College London
                                                           November 1991


                  The COSINE and Internet X.500 Schema

Status of this Memo

   This RFC specifies an IAB standards track protocol for the Internet
   community, and requests discussion and suggestions for improvements.
   Please refer to the current edition of the "IAB Official Protocol
   Standards" for the standardization state and status of this protocol.
   Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Abstract

   This document suggests an X.500 Directory Schema, or Naming
   Architecture, for use in the COSINE and Internet X.500 pilots.  The
   schema is independent of any specific implementation.  As well as
   indicating support for the standard object classes and attributes, a
   large number of generally useful object classes and attributes are
   also defined.  An appendix to this document includes a machine
   processable version of the schema.

   This document also proposes a mechanism for allowing the schema to
   evolve in line with emerging requirements.  Proformas to support this
   process are included.

   Corrections and additions to the schema should be sent to na-
    list, as described within.

1.  Introduction

   Directory Services are a fundamental requirement of both human and
   computer communications' systems.  Human users need to be able to
   look up various details about other people: for example, telephone
   numbers, facsimile numbers and paper mail addresses.  Computing
   systems also need Directory Services for several purposes: for
   example, to support address look-ups for a variety of services, and
   to support user-friendly naming and distribution lists in electronic
   mail systems.

   Directory Services have recently been standardised and published as
   the 1988 CCITT X.500 / ISO IS9594 recommendations [1].  The standard
   provides a good basis for the provision of real services, and a
   considerable amount of Directory Service piloting activity is



Barker & Kille