A new project called Chemistry [1]--the goal of which is to create an open source reference implementation for the CMIS specification--has become an official Apache Software Foundation Incubator project. The goal is to take the standard, which is currently in OASIS for approval (as I wrote recently in Can CMIS be approved by year's end? [2]) and create an open source version of the project that anyone can use.

David Nuescheler, CTO of Day Software (whom we interviewed One on One [3]) thinks this is necessary to bring some level of consistency to the CMIS implementation process and to provide an open source reference anyone can use. "We look forward to engaging others in the open source community and ECM space to join forces and develop a strong client and server implementation for the upcoming CMIS standard."

Nuescheler said in a recent interview that all of the OASIS Technical Committee members (except perhaps Microsoft) have signed onto the Chemistry project. He says working together on a single open source implementation should help accelerate the development and ensure the quality of the reference projects.

Kevin Cochrane, chief marketing officer at Day adds that this provides a way to produce a single reference and saves each vendor from creating one itself. "Each vendor has been doing its own implementation. Now, with the Chemistry Project, they can work together to create a totally neutral shared implementation."

As CMIS works its way through the standards approval process, which is itself open and transparent, Chemistry provides an open source reference for all companies to share and use, to ensure consistency throughout the process.

For more information:
- see the Apache Chemistry Proposal [4]
- see the CMIS architecture drawings [5]

Related Articles:
Can CMIS be approved by year's end? [6]
One on One with David Nuescheler of Day Software [7]
CMIS gurus gather at first OASIS Technical Committee meeting [8]