[KI-LC] Japan WG budget allocation requests

[Eve Maler]

Since we have some new data on these, I wanted to highlight that data and see if we can use email to discuss potential recommendations to make to the BoT. Below are links to the three relevant pages and excerpts of their content. My ruminations are below in color.

	Eve

http://kantarainitiative.org/confluence/display/LC/2011+Budget+Request+-+Japan+WG+-+A

Request For: Translate Kantara IAF into Japanese

Requested Amount: $29,000.00

Question: Is there a way to verify that the estimated cost for translation?
Answer: The estimation was the result of that Japan WG asked the translation company who has several experience to translate "Standard" documents into Japanese.
Question: Is there a way to explore how many Japanese organizations might be interested in the IAF once it's translated?
Answer: Japan WG discussed that translated IAF specification is very important. I believe Kantara can count the number of download, or we may be able to ask the user to input name (email address) before the download.
Question: Can you propose a way the LC can evaluate the return on this investment? Specifically, is there a way we can guess how many organizations in Japan would see value in a translation to the degree they may adopt it, or join the IAF Work Group to help advance it?
Answer: I think we can count the number of downloads of Japanese translation. I would like to hear JapanWG members' idea.
Question: How will this be effected by the expected IAF revisions? For example, we know that the IAF is already working on modifications. Can you estimate how much additional cost would be involved in future edits?
Answer: It depends on the change, but I believe the minor change will be done by JapanWG members. In general, the quality of the standard should be controlled by version number. As far as I know Kantara starts the certification program which is based on IAF specification. That means, we can not change the contents easily.
Thoughts: If we can establish that there is a Japanese market for IAF, then this could be money well spent. I would love to see some data, of whatever sort, that helps establish the interest.


http://kantarainitiative.org/confluence/display/LC/2011+Budget+Request+-+Japan+WG+-+B

Request For: Translate General Press Releases (10 translations)

Requested Amount: $2,000.00

Q: Is there a way to know what releases will be translated? Assuming this is similar to what the group has done in the past, can you point to a list of previously translated press releases that would be examples of the types you anticipate being translated in 2011?
A: It depends on Kantara press release activities in 2011. Most important of this activity is that we need Japanese translation which is native speaker's fluency, because a lot of people (incl. JapanWG members) refer to the press release many times.
Q: After being translated, are these releases distributed beyond the WG, or are they intended for the WG participants?
A: Yes, the translated press release will be distributed to Japanese presses and magazines directly and indirectly. Also, the press release will be post in JapanWG web-site to be referred to anyone. And, we have a plan to ask to tweet about the press release by IT leader in 2011. To do it, we need the complete translated press release.
Q: If the press releases are primarily for use by the Work Group, is it possible to leverage less expensive online translation services (understanding that they won't be perfect, but at least provide the group participants with useful information)?
A: See above. Of course, I and Sakamoto-san who is co-chair of JapanWG are checking the camera ready version now.
Thoughts: This seems like a reasonable cost for reaching a very large audience (which could, obviously, stimulate interest in IAF and more!) I would support recommending the full amount.


http://kantarainitiative.org/confluence/display/LC/2011+Budget+Request+-+Japan+WG+-+C

Request For: Event Support: Database Management (3 events)

Requested Amount: $13,000.00

Question: Why does this appear to be such a large expense? Are there creative ways to leverage less expensive options?
Answer: This estimate is the result of that Japan WG asked 2 Japanese venders for providing the brief estimate. Also, please note that this database contains the information of attendees since Liberty Alliance era. That is the heart of Japan WG's marketing activities.
Q: Is there a way for the Japan WG to get a copy of the database that has been used to date, and explore alternate, less expensive options going forward?
A: I think each WG/DG may not understand the importance of maintenance of the database. This is similar of a customer database in a company.
This appears to be a large expense that the Leadership Council members are interested in understanding in more detail. By way of comparison, other Work Groups with similar needs have used free/donated services as well as managing their lists using ad hoc tools like spreadsheets.
NOTE: This might be a question worthy of a phone call to discuss with the budget subcommittee. The LC understands that the Japan WG has seen value in this database, and it might help to explore how to work together on an effective solution.
Thoughts: This seems awfully high in this day and age, particularly if this is anticipated to be an annual expense. It would be great to get all the right folks on the call on Dec 22 to dive into questions like: If the database contained information on "paying customers", then an ROI could be established more easily. Did Liberty itself, or does Kantara itself today, maintain a professional CRM system for leads and members and other potential "customers"? How is the data in this system leveraged for benefit in the Japan market? How "fresh" and relevant is the data if it extends back to the Liberty era, and how many current entries are in the system? Can this data be extracted and managed in a free CRM system or equivalent?


Eve Maler                                  http://www.xmlgrrl.com/blog
+1 425 345 6756                         http://www.twitter.com/xmlgrrl

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