My apologies to those who do not consider this to be an operational issue, however I feel that service providers who believe ARIN represents a positive step should express their support for the proposal, to ensure that it is not slowed by institutional intervention. Should the allocation of IP addresses become mired in the problems we have seen happen with domain names, it will certainly become a major operational consideration... ---------- I am writing this to express ATMnet's support for ARIN (the American Registry for Internet Numbers) in the strongest possible terms. It is of the utmost importance that the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses not be jeopardized by the turmoil currently surround the Domain Name System (DNS), and that immediate steps be taken to move in the direction defined in the ARIN proposal. DNS issues are primarily related to factors such as market leverage, and obtaining any particular domain name can be viewed as something of a luxury. IP Addresses, on the other hand, are of operational concern, and timely and appropriate access to this resource is absolutely required for the continued growth of the Internet. Obtaining consensus on any important Internet related topic is excruciatingly difficult in today's environment. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the debates over DNS and IP Addresses. Fortunately, there are stark contrasts between the two issues. The DNS debates are filled with rancor and punctuated by alternative efforts and litigation. While ARIN has been a subject of hot debate, there is nonetheless a rough consensus within the Internet community that establishing a non-profit entity to handle the administration of this vital function is both necessary and appropriate. Old-timers and newcomers have found some common ground. There are of course those who would like to see things taken in a different direction, as there always will be when something of this nature is discussed. There are also issues which still need to be resolved, and a lot of work which needs to be done. ATMnet is confident that the people trying to accomplish these tasks have the necessary skills, ethics and standing in the community to get the job done right. There is "rough consensus". There is "running code" in the form of the people and systems currently performing the function, and the two similar entities (APNIC and RIPE) which are already in operation under similar charters. It is time for ARIN to move forward unfettered by Federal intervention or oversight. When confronted with change and new alternatives, the appropriate direction to take is not always evident. In this case however, it is clear to ATMnet that ARIN deserves all our support simply because it is the right thing to do for the health of a growing and vibrant industry. -- Jim Browning <jfbb@ATMnet.net> CEO, ATMnet <www.ATMnet.net>