Web Replication and Caching
charter-ietf-wrec-01

The purpose of this working group is to define a co-ordinated caching
and replication framework for the world wide web.

Replication of web services and caching of http responses are distinct
paradigms that to a large degree require distinct solutions. However, it
is also important that web caches and replicated services be able to
coexist. Ultimately, the working group will define a framework for
efficient, reliable, and predictable service in a web which includes
both replicas and caches. Part of this framework will be a means by
which replicas and caches may be automatically discovered and utilized
by clients.

Because of the wide variety of caching and replication solutions which
are already in use, the initial task of the group is to familiarize
itself with the diversity of existing practice. The group will therefore
produce a document which provides a taxonomy of existing caching /
replication developments and terminology which would be used as a
reference for later work. In parallel with this, existing protocols and
standards which are not publicly documented will be submitted to the
IESG for publication as informational RFCs by their respective
proponents. Once the initial phase is complete, the group will make a
recommendation as to whether further protocol work is necessary or
desirable, and submit a revised charter for consideration by IESG and
IAB.