What will be provided. We will have Ethernet 10BaseT local area network connections, with direct high-speed access to the Internet. In addition, we will have a system set up with the RETS compliance test platform (an NAR-sponsored software system written by Avantia), and a protocol analyzer that can be used to find and document interoperability problems.

What to bring. If you're developing a client, you'll get the most benefit from the Plugfest if you bring your code on your laptop, and come prepared to discuss your implementation with other developers. If you have user-level documentation, it may help to have that along as well. If your laptop requires a card or cables to connect to 10BaseT Ethernet, bring those too.

If you're a server developer, you should come equipped with one or more login names for a test RETS server running your server software. You can access your system through the Internet connection at the Plugfest; we will provide firewall configuration information as soon as it's available (which may not be until the morning of the event).

What to expect. If the Plugfest is 100% successful, by the end of the day, every client will have successfully exchanged data with every server. A list of suggested tests will be posted here before the start of the event, and will be distributed at the event as well. At the midday checkpoint session, just before lunch, participants will be given the opportunity to note additional tests that should be performed as determined by their own experiences, and to start collecting areas of the standard that need clarification.

If a client/server pair encounters difficulty, they can use the protocol analysis tools or the compliance test system to help iron out the difficulties. The test system is scriptable, so if you discover a new and interesting incompatibility, a new script can be created in order to help others avoid encountering the same problem. Representatives from Avantia, who created the system, will be available to answer questions and assist in using it.

By the end of the day, participants should have a good idea of how close we are to the goal of universal interoperability. (We may have a prize for the client and server that have managed to communicate with the largest number of other products.) During the wrap-up, we will finish collecting experiences that will help to correct the language of the standard. This report will be presented to the general meeting on the following day.