Timeline Update: OCFL Version 2 Release

[Metz, Rosalyn]

Dear OCFL Community,

We are excited to share an update on the timeline and process for the release of OCFL Version 2. This upcoming version introduces four key features aimed at enhancing the flexibility and robustness of OCFL:

1. Flagging Features at the Storage Root

2. Tombstones

1. Flagging file loss/corruption #14

2. Support physical file-level deletion #42

3. Collapsing OCFL Object Versions #46

3. Package Per Version

1. Package per version storage #33

4. Content Linking (Object Forking)

1. OCFL Object Forking #44

Requirements for Release
Before releasing OCFL Version 2, we will meet the following criteria:

• Tool Implementation: At least two tools (validators, libraries, etc.) must implement three of the four new features, ensuring every feature is implemented at least once within tools.

• Updated Fixtures and Validators: All fixtures, validators, and error messages must address the new features in the specification.

• Community Feedback: We will give each alpha and beta release phase at least six months to gather and incorporate community feedback. For comparison, OCFL 1.0's alpha (0.1) and beta (0.3) releases lasted approximately nine and thirteen months, respectively.

We value your input throughout this process and will ask you for feedback on these requirements during the next two community meetings. The dates for these meetings are:

• Thursday, January 16th, 9am PST / 12pm EST / 5pm GMT / Friday, January 17th, 4am AEDT (Convert to your time zone)
• Wednesday, February 12th, 3pm PST / 6pm EST / 11pm GMT / Thursday, February 13th, 10am AEDT (Convert to your time zone)

More details will be shared as we move towards the alpha release phase.

Thank you for your continued support and contributions to the OCFL community.

Best,
The OCFL Editors
 https://ocfl.io