[bc-gnso] ICANN to manage Time Zone Database

[Chris Chaplow]

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today took
over operation of an 

Internet Time Zone Database that is used by a number of major computer
systems. 

 

ICANN agreed to manage the database after receiving a request from the
Internet Engineering Task 

Force (IETF). 

 

The database contains time zone code and data that computer programs and
operating systems such 

as Unix, Linux, Java, and Oracle rely on to determine the correct time for a
given location.  Modifications 

to the database occur frequently throughout the year.

 

"The time zone database is used by a large number of commercial operating
systems and the software 

applications," said Russ Housely, chairman of the IETF. "Incorrect time zone
information will impact 

many everyday activities, including meeting and conference call
coordination, airplane and train 

schedules, physical package delivery notices, and astronomical
observatories." 

 

For nearly three decades, the TZ Database had been maintained by a group of
dedicated volunteers, in 

particular, Arthur David Olson at the US National Institutes of Health.
Olson coordinated the group, 

managed the data, and created a platform for their release.  Olson's
announced retirement prompted the 

IETF to turn to ICANN to ensure continued operation of the database.

 

"The Time Zone Database provides an essential service on the Internet and
keeping it operational falls 

within ICANN's mission of maintaining a stable and dependable Internet,"
said Akram Atallah, ICANN's 

Chief Operating Officer.

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