[Coin-standards] Start the discussion

[Brady Hunsaker]

I was surprised to find that there has been no discussion on this list
since it was begun over a month ago.  In an effort to get things
started I have several thoughts and questions.  

What is the role of this discussion list?  Presumably the new standard
format to replace MPS will be drafted by a smaller group of
individuals, so my guess is that we don't need to worry too much about
making "decisions" or reaching consensus.  I expect that the primary
benefit we can provide is (through discussion) to identify aspects of
the standard for which there is significant disagreement.  By
developing arguments for and against various choices we can hopefully
make debate easier for the group that eventually drafts a standard.
Does anyone see the role of this email list differently?  

I'd also appreciate any information on what group is expected to
eventually decide on the standard (if this is known).

Before getting down to details, I'm concerned with some "larger"
design questions.

- Once a standard is drafted, how will changes be made?  It seems
  important to me that there be some official group that can
  periodically update the standard.  I think this is especially
  crucial to help prevent anyone from making their own "enhancements"
  to the standard (which would make it not a standard).

- What scope do we want to address initially?  Are we only concerned
  with (mixed integer) linear programming, or do we want something
  that will work for any kind of math program?  Or something even
  broader in scope?

Looking forward to responses and other questions,

Brady

----------------
Brady Hunsaker
Georgia Institute of Technology
Program in Algorithms, Combinatorics, and Optimization
School of Industrial and Systems Engineering

E-mail address:   hunsaker at isye.gatech.edu