ICANN to Manage Time Zone Database
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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