A procedure for functional profiles determination

The paper outlines a methodology for the selection of functional profiles to be used in developing information infrastructures for transition countries, which should ensure end-to-end connectivity along with full user interoperability. The characteristics of layered end-to-end communication as well as the importance of functional profiles in implementing distributed applications require the determination of an adequate methodology for profile selection. In order to enable the devising of such a methodology, characteristics of the communication model are considered, necessary activities are defined and an appropriate flow diagram is proposed, which also illustrates the logical placement of the methodology. Basic activities are defined, which encompass classification, analysis, comparison and assessment, while particularly the definition of criteria for selection of functional profiles along with respective conformance issues is stressed. The profiles are elaborated attempting to satisfy all of user requirements and available network resources. Comparison and assessment with respect to parameters like purpose, criteria, convenience, hardware and software independence, as well as price, make up part of the methodology.