Authentication Protocol Work Group

[IMPACT]

Various projects are working on Authentication solutions for the Cardano ecosystem. Although this is good for decentralization and different implementations will have varying use cases it is important also to work towards interoperability where possible.

This proposal is a part of a series of workshops focused on different important issues in the process. The proposals are essentially the same but with the spotlight shining on a different issue. The other proposal is: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/400140.

Interoperability can be one sided (for example Cardano ERC-20 Token converter) or it can be agreed. When interoperability is agreed (for example the increases in efficiency from the Intermodal container - aka shipping container https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container)) participants can move beyond low level issues and work on the actual issue at hand, in this case Authentication Systems for the Cardano Ecosystem.

Early agreement amount the projects could lead to a solid protocol that can be implemented by others in the future. This could alleviate future costly and difficult negotiations.

Development and maintenance of the protocol will also be required.

Encouraging conversations and the development of an agreed protocol and away of updating and adjusting it will help ensure vendor-neutral implementations of Authentication platforms.

This proposal will provide a framework on which a Cardano/Catalyst open standard can be developed. It is predominately through open engagement between the various projects that are working on authentication systems that will provide built in synergies.

The main risks are that projects will not form a working group, and may not be able to agree on the protocol/standards.

It'll take time a dedication to bring the parties together but I believe that it is in the interest of projects to work together towards shared goals more than towards carving up the ecosystem in a first come land grab. This initiative is an attempt to head the problem off before it arises.

[FEASIBILITY]

A total of six 2 hour formal meetings will be held. First meeting planned one month after funding provided. A discussion about the best implementation of timing can be undertaken in the meeting. The model of a meeting a month is a guideline, the meetings might be better held over a series of consecutive days or a more compressed time frame.

Month 1: Build the coalition of participants. For this information about the process must drafted, research of participates undertaken,

Month 2-6: Undertake summit meetings, produce minutes seek community input. Closing summit and agreement.

Meeting Facilitation: $1500 (6 meetings x $250)

Formation: $3000 (60 hours)

Participant fees: $10000-15000 (6 x 2-3 hour meetings x $250 ~6-10 participants - participation in the formation, commenting and feedback of draft protocol will also be expected).

Administration: $5000 (Payments for the administrators and treasurer).

Maintenance/contingency: $0-5000 This will be used for the ongoing maintenance of the protocol and if more participant fees are required funds will be taken from there.

Platform costs: $1000, meeting platform, tools and sundry operational expenses.

Protocol drafting: $3000 Writing, editing of the protocol.

Total $28500

Facilitator - This person will be responsible for the effective operation of the meetings

Organizer - This person will undertake research into the various projects being developed and communicate the existence of the working group and solicit participation.

Administrator(s) - These people will maintain the administrative function of the group including scheduling, record keeping, minute keeping and distribution.

Participants* - These people are the representatives from the various developers of Authentication systems.

Treasurer - The one responsible for the effective operation of the treasury

Maintainers* - These funds will ensure the ongoing maintenance of the protocol and form the start of the foundation fund to ensure ongoing success.

*The split between participants and maintenance will depend on attendance/participation and needs for ongoing success of the protocol. They will be adjusted as needed. If value is established future funds maybe sought.

[AUDITABILITY]

The minutes of the 6 meetings will be released and provided to the community. Recordings will need to be discussed and agreed upon by the participants - however being an open standard development this will be highly sought-after outcome.

The agreed draft protocol will be provided to the community. Implementation of the open protocol will be encouraged amongst future authentication platform developers.

A successful draft of a open standards protocol for use by authentication on Cardano developers and projects and available to the community. A follow up mechanism and avenues for funding to continue development and maintain the standard.

Not a continuation.