in response to a query for a definition of the XIWT -- the Cross-Industry Working Team

[David Farber <farber@central.cis.upenn.edu>]

 A Model for Cross-Industry Collaboration on the Development of


              A National Information Infrastructure


                             CHARTER


               for the Cross-Industry Working Team




Promote and accelerate the deployment of a world-class National
Information Infrastructure by fostering the development and
application of technologies which cross traditional industry
boundaries.


Specifically,


     -- Foster ongoing experimentation and development of
        technology and skills;


     -- Build and sustain a cooperative environment for the
        exchange of technical ideas, interests and information;


     -- Promote cross-fertilization and stimulate advanced
        infrastructure development;


     -- Develop common technological and architectural approaches
        that match the evolution of information technology, and
        provide for openness, heterogeneity, interoperability,
        scalability and ease of use;


     -- Plan information infrastructure pilot projects that
        leverage industry capabilities and state-of-the-art
        research;


     -- Create and maintain an open forum for dialogue among
        representatives of key U.S. stakeholder communities in the
        private and public sectors.