ScheduleLayer

20030706
Yasuo Ishihara
schedulelayer@yahoo.co.jp

Japanese

WordFile

It has become important today to “View not from an individual who belongs to an organization, but view from where an individual could “participate” on his own free will in a number of organizations” as what Professor Thomas Malone of Massachusetts Institute of Technology stated in "Inventing the Organizations of the 21st Century".

Internet has progressed and became the foundation for information system.  The fact is, however, the same old system of belonging to one organization remains.  For example, providers who provide broadband are monopolizing the contents and service.  In order to enjoy other services, one has to belong to one’s own organization.  These strategies are very familiar. 

Again, in general, the groupware is made in the form so that it can be shared within the organization.  Basically, however, it does not function on its own outside the organization.  It is as if an individual is a “resource”.  An ASP type groupware responds to various groups but when relating to other ASP service, it would become unavailable.  In this point, everything is still the same.

The economy has indeed played a part in the growth but even what we call "Web service" can at its best only able to search and provide information-sharing where companies are the core.  It is rare to find information system that centers on the “individual”.

Our daily lives move with a schedule.  The schedule is based on our work and private lives, which exist on the same time axis.  Again, we belong to various kinds of groups according to our work and private time.  From now onwards, we would need a tool to confirm cross-sectional various groups for an individual to rank one’s priorities.  Especially, layer them cross-sectional in the schedule, so one can manage time, which will become a very important factor.

I do not think it is right where services can only be enjoyed from organizations that one belongs to.  In this sense and in many senses, “openness” has a very important point. As how e-mails are, if we can have such interface where we can exchange information, we can enjoy whatever any company that could provide their services, anywhere and using any device.  This would be an important factor. 

I foresee that this would be used by many people from the very beginning and would be constructed in such a way.  For example, Yahoo!Calender’s time guide, eGroups, and Yahoo!US are already in the market.  They exist through synchronization with Outlook function on the part of the user interface to make a relation with ASP business people.  This may be the short cut.

With the above knowledge, I hope, that for example, the calendar function of the mailing list service usage can be broadened as what is written in this paper.

Here are my ideas

With the starting of Yahoo!BB services, the internet is diffused to every home at a high speed in an “always connected” method.  Every time the Internet is connected, we do not have to worry about the telephone bill.  This means that our daily lives and Internet are connected in a seamless new form.  PHS set price service and the diffusion of hot spot has allowed an environment where we do not have to worry about how much it would cost, even when connected through mobile phones.

Recent broadband seems not to appeal strongly that users do not have to worry so much on the cost of the communication expenses.  Providers and Contents-based companies are concentrating more on delivering large quantity moving images.  There are on demand services but there seems to be not many differences where the service of fully showing information and quality is no different to that of the “broadcasting” era.

However, with the reason of the diffusion of the internet, the important factor of “one to one”, “one to all”, “all to all” where possibility in the flexibility of exchanging information is not considered very important.  In fact, basic services such as net-auction, notice board services, and mailing list diffusion had broadened the contents in the distribution market.  And this has changed our lives.

We are forgetting something in all this.  That is “The unification of schedule information on all groups that involves us”.  All kinds of groups involves us, such as our communities, hospital, schools, companies, clubs, becoming members of shopping centers, etc. 

Within the company the groupware is everywhere, allowing the application of e-mails, schedules, and notice board.  One step outside the company, however, such application to satisfy these needs is not there.  A part of ASP exists to serve such purpose but then it comes down to the same conclusion that the ASP service cannot connect to other applications.

On the other hand, now it is possible to make a free-style group such as eGroups, etc., mailing list.  It is possible to publicise one’s own schedule on Yahoo! Calender. It has also become possible to enjoy services such as calendar information through iCalshare.com services.  However, these services are inconsistent and a service that supports this unification is unavailable. 

Since long ago, as we live, we belong to various organizations and groups.  These groups such as home, community, work, school, clubs, work-related, member of a CD rental shop, increase and decrease like amoeba.  Each group is not connected to each other.  The only factor that connects these different groups is none other than us. 

We are the one to rank our priorities in all these organizations.  The most important factor in ranking these schedules is where we put the weight and that is on “time”.  We would want to know where we belong and find where our interests are without going through a hassle.  In such times, we do not want to publicize our schedule.  However, to my knowledge, such information system that can process the schedule is yet available. 

A mailing list service where “An individual can change the quantity and quality of the group flexibility” and by doing this, “The individual can see schedules of various groups where he belongs to in a cross-sectional way”.  If this function were added, it would make solidarity of information that goes beyond the limit of the organization, making it very useful.  This “group” is not only a working team, but can also function in community, family, and hobby mates. 

 This is the “ScheduleLayer”.

• “Flexibility in changing number, size, quality in organizations we belong to”, the schedule would appear in an overlapping way in one’s own calendar. 
• One’s own schedule will not be publicized, therefore, there is no need to divide the window for private and business use, and privacy is protected. (If there is need to publicize one’s schedule, it can be done so).
• It is possible to switch from time restricting to non-time restricting in one’s own schedule. 

The number of groups and schedules, mainly to be used at work or privately, by freelance or factory workers, managers or employees, students, housewives, the number of user interface, can be many.  Each screen image differs according to the user-environment; the overlapped schedule is shown in different ways.   The heavy user group and light user group, types of user interfaces, usage and cost applied, all varies.  Sometimes, heavy user pays.  The present PDA users and people who use the software for project management apply to such people.  It is quite unthinkable that light user would pay for such application.

The “light user” mentioned here are presently not using the application in such a category.  A pocket diary would serve the purpose. Light user may start using ScheduleLayer when introduced by heavy user.  By accepting the schedule from company’s advertisement may lead them to enter, free of charge. Those who have been using it and becoming heavy user, can continue to use the ScheduleLayer by using whichever interface and service that a company can offer.

I think this ‘pocket diary” is the best-repeated contents.  An individual “pocket diary” is a shortcut to an advertisement.  The more entries to the “advertisement”, the more they will make an important factor to the diffusion of the ScheduleLayer. 

The important thing in user interface is the group schedule differs according to the user.  One group’s schedule priority will differ accordingly to the user.  This controlled, can be labeled “High Functions”, and where the control is less strict is “low functions”.  In order to show a congested schedule, a heavy user utilizes the service (interface) where there is function to categorize the groups.  By showing the schedule by layer groups, categorizing the groups, showing by layers can tell the user to have a calendar view that matches the user’s present situation. 

The user may be given the choice of added functions and design.  It is most important to choose the best ScheduleLayer server depending on how many group schedules one have, the frequency, confidentiality, and added functions.

In order to start using the ScheduleLayer, it is an important fact that the user does not have to change the client’s software and the computer tools.  For example, Outlook such as Agendus and Palm’s Parasite Ware (Software that functions on the existing software used to broadened the user interface) may become necessary.  

• Exchanging information among servers, and devices and between servers is made through “e-mail”. (PostPet and Cybozu also uses attached files by e-mail.)

• Applications and services that modify ScheduleLayer are: the mailing list address of the groups from iCalender format mails shows the schedular at hand.

• Changes and deletion to the schedule is done in the same way.  The authority to add, change, delete lies on the management of the mailing list.  It can also be set so that the user has authority to add or change his own schedule. 

• Provide a function where the group schedule may be copied, and deleted in one lump. 

•  If necessary the user can choose the AmoebaE UNIT(details below) service, in checking to a certain extent which sending domain to use.

• The necessity to have the function of exchanged information between servers’ etc. is well synchronized.

• It is a challenge for the ScheduleLayer to how far it can realize repeated schedules and each application that differs accordingly in regards to time zone.

※It is necessary to decide on actual detailed methods.
※Please refer to Masato Nomura’s homepage for explanation on iCaｌender in Japanese.

Implementation

1. The user must first decide on the server for the ScheduleLayer.  Set a back up ScheduleLayer server is there is one.

2. If the calendar of the mailing list can exchange information through the ScheduleLayer method, set the mailing list calendar information to the ScheduleLayer server, that you have decided on.

3. Set your ScheduleLayer server to your mailing list service calendar to exchange information.  This includes the company’s groupware (if the company allows). 

4. Solidarity between one’s main ScheduleLayer server and back up server, and each group calendar becomes possible. 

5. If the ScheduleLayer server can be set to synchronize each devices and calendar information, solidarity with PDA is possible too.

It is better for the mailing list service, calendar service, ScheduleLayer service to be connected seamlessly by one password.  This is because the setting is a bit troublesome. It would be user-friendlier for Internet beginners.  It would also be easier to enter by consolidating various mailing lists or provide one stop service such as eGroups.

Implementation Image 

Comparison between the present groupware and ScheduleLayer. 

※ScheduleLayer is a tool to put a number of people and groups schedule together.  For this, as what is represented by Palm for PDA and PIM represented by Outlook, these substances are an extension on the idea of showing one’s schedule of a pocket diary by the user interface.  Therefore, I have evaded the comparison.  Next, I will explain on AmoebaE UNIT.

ScheduleLayer is one unit of an AmoebaE UNIT concept.

AmoebaE UNIT 

• A number of companies will each provide a single function.  The user chooses what to use. 

• To construct a system structure uniting the advantages of groupware and new functions of mailing list, and where corporate body information ASP may operate.

• Excluding “Work flow” that needs a boss’s approval, “Linking with Key system”, and “managing company’s resource”.  It is not necessary to have a complicated company’s information system.  "Collaboration” is better.

• Construct an open environment by making use of the industrial standard technology.

It is important to not only use a single function but also necessary to unify various functions in order to establish communication over the Internet.  For example, connecting to the Internet, mail server, mailing list, WWW server, notice board, storage server, and major general companies’ ISP and ASP companies are now all trying to provide these functions on their own.  However, have these companies ever thought of using various services provided by many other companies in a cross-sectional way?  One might prefer a mailing list from one company and prefer storage service from other company, etc.  If seen from the company’s point of view, other than turning good ideas into products and services, for example, the recognition system, disk capacity, fee charging, these services can be consigned to others and therefore would speed up the work and hold cost down.

Many service providers are increasing like amoeba to compete in single functions. Users can choose from these amoebas, try them out and pay the reasonable price for the good service.  Naturally, in order for these services to run smoothly, the statutes, security for the modules interface and the technology conditions, support, etc for these modules, there seem to be endless problems.  However as written in this paper, many services such as “mailing list” and “ScheduleLayer” can be cut off.  Service providers can offer various services freely and users can choose.

The “AmoebaE UNIT” allows communication over the Internet to evolve and become more effective. 

Devise・between PIM・PDA Synchronization.

It is idealistic to “synchronize” many types of devices.  In this case, it is considered technically difficult to have smooth synchronization between these devices.  Prepare a pivot-like center server and synchronize information through the core server.  The center server will serve as storage for latest information for ScheduleLayer server at all times.  For example, each provider has that center server and the method is using one’s provider’s center server.  

The reason why I am particular about “synchronization” is because, for example, when inputting one’s schedule to PDA online, it is possible to write new schedules from outside onto the ScheduleLayer simultaneously.  To put together these two schedules, there is only  “synchronization”.  There are some ScheduleLayer server that synchronizes well with PDA and those that do not. 

Contents Administration System

System Management: Specified domain (Eg. :@sample.co.jp) in regards to the group that the user created.

• A company can grasp its situation.

• Keep a logbook for each group as record (or mailing list system image).  Enable to transfer to the company’s server.

• Question is, is it possible to create a group by one’s own domain for corporate body, which signed an agreement with “Contents Administration System”.

• Function as managers, including the job of creating and deleting groups.

• Manage 100 users, Yen 300,000. annually?

Automatic Indexer

To add a function of searching in cross-sectional ways by the members in terms of agreement with the specific domain (Eg., @sample.co.jp) for groups created by the user.

A number of Mail Addresses

If one has a number of mail addresses for the purpose of private and office use, the office address (when the company has an agreement with “Contents Administration System”) where the group was formed will stay as record in the company.  However, groups formed from private address remains purely private and cannot be touched by the company.  The schedule allows the function of “ScheduleLayer” to see both in one glimpse.

Secure Suit

Set up security for each account.  Basically, the target would be corporate body, but if necessary it can be used by individuals.  The idea is to continue using the present service, and armor it with security.

• Yen 1,000 per account annually?

• SSL, Encode mailing list from SMTP.

• Assignment: Encode user’s SMTP・POP３, to cope with client’s software encode.

Marketing System

The gathered people are segmented in a marketing-like way depending on the type of group.  If these groups are recognized, it is possible to do a survey.

Function Guarantee

The function guarantee itself is “service”.

I presently work for a PR company.  The nature of my work is “to construct and operate a key system”.

I have been working in this company for almost ten years.  I have experienced various types of work nature, such as sales, marketing, developing systems for internet-related projects, constructing information system within the company, etc. up to this day.

The word “collaboration” has become a popular buzzword in the world since the past two years.  However, the PR industry has been using “collaboration” as a way to carry out their work since long ago.

Based on what the advertiser seeks to achieve, we discuss how to solve issues and put them to action.  Sometimes we approach by having “an exhibition”, at times “TV commercials”, “advertisement inserted to the newspapers”, or even “distributing tissue paper advertisement” at stations.  Moreover, we make full use of all these methods by compounding them.  At times, we go back to the root in “branding the advertiser” in which survey, proposals and enforcement would be required.

Sometimes, one person is given the task to be responsible for a number of jobs at the same time.  These job’s objectives, project members, time, methods, companies, size (budget) differs.  From long ago, PR industry has been using the “collaboration” method while carrying out several projects simultaneously.

Unfortunately, this industry took time to implement the computer system.

Since the word “collaboration” came into this world, a lot of information system pops up to support this.  Up till now, we have not yet found the real support in this industry.

In so, I have come to think that in order for the project to progress, the real meaning of “collaboration” supporting tools are yet to be found.

A year ago, I have created a group, “eGroups (http://www.egroups.co.jp)”, consisted of friends from my college days.  I have come to think that this mailing list is exactly the tool for the realization of “collaboration”.

Each individual functions in the group, and the freedom to create and delete groups, decide the size, the client’s computer’s platform is of generally used internet tools, etc., is exactly what I hope to achieve in the “collaboration tool”.

To this, “A number of groups, especially to add the function of monitoring the schedule from a cross-sectional and bird’s eye view” can be realized.  I believe this can be a tool for general business use.

23rd March, 2001