Contracts in v1.1

I would like to revisit the our concept of contracts in
version 1.1 of oBIX. Contracts allow you to define the operating posture of the
control system behind an oBIX server. Contacts can include schedules and set points;
contracts can define logging and trend reports.

 

Creating a contract can be a daunting prospect for any but
the simplest systems, for anyone other than the system integrator. This can
limit oBIX to central command and control by the central building system
server, leaving us with old model updated with shiny new whitewalls.

 

Several people have requested in private conversation that
we have some means to pre-define these contracts. This would be useful in a
couple scenarios (at least). 

 

1)     
In a peer to peer scenario, particularly between
systems of different domains, it would allow each system to invoke pre-defined
behaviors in its peer system. Each system integrator would be responsible for
defining the contracts within his own system. These contracts would define the
interface used by the peer system.

2)     
These contracts could be the basis for easy interaction
outside the domain of the control system.  OpenADR provides a compelling
high-profile use case for this. In the light-weight scenario, the oBIX server
itself could respond to ADR requests (Invoke contract “Shed Load” /
”OK”).  In the more compelling Enterprise Agent scenarios, the
agent could coordinate the response across many group of oBIX, picking the
services to shed, while remaining happily unaware of the deep process.

 

The lack of such pre-defined contracts is seen as
significant missing functionality by more than one oBIX supporter.

 

 

"There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil
to one who is striking at the root." -- David Thoreau

 

  
  
Toby Considine

  
Chair, OASIS oBIX TC

  Facilities Technology Office

  University of North Carolina

  Chapel Hill, NC

  
  
  
  

  
  
  
Email: Toby.Considine@
  unc.edu

  Phone: (919)962-9073 

  
http://www.oasis-open.org 

  http://www.NewDaedalus.com