EGA/GGF Merger

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Q1. What is the current status regarding the merger discussions between the EGA and GGF?

A1. On February 6, we signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to merge and are now entering into the merger transition phase of the process that is expected to result in a definitive merger.

Q2. Why are the EGA and GGF proposing to merge?

A2. The initial talks between the organizations made it sufficiently clear to both parties that we share a common interest in accelerating the pervasive adoption of grids worldwide. Our separate activities have enabled the early adoption of grid across scientific, government, academic and enterprise segments. As the industry is poised to move to broader adoption, the timing is appropriate to leverage the successes of both organizations to ensure widespread usage.

Q3. What are the benefits of an EGA/GGF merger for the grid community?

A3. By combining our complementary but distinct capabilities, we will leverage each organization's strengths to deliver better results faster, communicate clearly and collaborate more effectively. Together we will move quickly to create the standards and architectures needed now to accelerate grid adoption. We'll have a clear voice for communicating our direction, progress and results - both internally and externally. In addition, collaboration with other grid organizations, standards bodies and the greater grid community will be more effective, enabling us to fulfill our vision.

Q4. What was the process you went through to get to this important milestone?

A4. Members from each organization formed a joint "merger intent team" that met to discuss key areas related to merging the organizations and to develop an operational merger framework with talks culminating in the signing of the non-binding letter.

Q5. What is the framework the parties used to reach the Letter of Intent agreement?

A5. We started with a high-level organizational and operational framework based on a simple set of guiding principles. In doing so, we were able to articulate and keep visible important criteria throughout the process. Our intent is to enable participation and meritocracy while providing direction and oversight with the checks and balances needed to achieve trust and respect. By striking this balance, we expect to preserve the continuity of current work and to encourage productive interactions throughout all levels of the new organization.

Q6. What is the next step and projected timeline for completion of the merger?

A6. A joint merger transition team will complete the development of a detailed merger plan including appropriate documents, processes and procedures in preparation for the legal establishment of the new organization. When these plans and documents are approved by both parties, the transition will be complete with the creation of the new organization expected in the summer of 2006. The work of integrating the operation of the two organizations will follow with projected completion in autumn.

Q7. What role will the framework play in the transition?

A7. The transition team will use the merger framework as the basis for developing a more detailed plan and to gain agreement on the final structure, governance, legal and program elements needed to merge the two organizations.

Q8. Will the existing members of both organizations find a place in the new organization?

A8. Absolutely. We envision an organization that balances the requirements of organizational sponsors and individual contributors to create a results-oriented organization with broad participation and a mandate from key stakeholders and the international grid community at large. The framework will ensure that the new organization has strong corporate and research support and that it encourages inclusiveness, enables "grass roots" participation and promotes technical meritocracy.

Q9. What is the status of the parties until the merger is completed?

A9. The two organizations will continue to exist and operate separately until the merger is official. Until then, each organization will continue to provide technical releases and documents under their respective organizations. Schedules will not be impacted by the merger activities and scheduled activities should continue.

Q10. Will the current leadership continue when the merger is official?

A10. During the transition period, current leadership in both organizations will continue in their existing roles to help ensure each organization remains productive. Leadership positions in the new organization will be filled by a mix of EGA and GGF representatives to be named upon completion of the merger in the summer of 2006.

Q11. During the transition phase, what should members continue to do?

A11. It is important that we continue our work to accelerate the adoption of grid solutions with direction setting technical recommendations and engaging marketing activities. Therefore, each organization will continue to fully operate in a "business as usual" mode until the merger is completed. This includes all technical and marketing activities. Similarly, membership activities, including renewals, are expected to continue moving forward.

Q12. Will there be more information forthcoming during the transition phase?

A12. Over the coming months we will make announcements as more details are finalized.

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