A number of issues with version handling in the current set of SA5 OAM specifications have recently been detected. It is therefore important to make an inventory of the current situation, identify issues and recommend a solution.

The scope of the study is to:

• Document current version handling capabilities in SA5 OAM specifications (clause 5)
• Identify and agree on the use cases and requirements (clause 6) for a coherent approach for version handling capabilities for SA5 OAM specifications
• Identify solution(s) with pros and cons to support the identified requirements (clause 7). The solutions may require enhancement or modification of rules in the IRP methodology as well as enhancements of existing or addition of new IRP specifications, utilizing SOA capabilities where appropriate. This includes:
  1. The identification of entities that require version control (clause 7.1)
  2. The protocol(s) by which the entity version can be discovered and registered (clause 7.2)
• Recommend a solution (clause 8).