Merge pull request #826 from ethereum-oasis-op/patch-1-editorial-repo-clean-up-2023

Major Editorial Update

Author: Therecanbeonlyone1969

.github/CODEOWNERS

@@ -12,4 +12,4 @@
 
 # review when someone opens a pull request.
 
-* @skarred14 @ognjenkurtic @therecanbeonlyone1969 @Kasshern @ybittan @biscuitdey @skosito
+* @skosito @ognjenkurtic @therecanbeonlyone1969 @biscuitdey

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -4,11 +4,11 @@ __Baseline__ is an open-source project that is actively seeking contributions fr
 
 ## First-time contributors
 
-If you are new to the baseline project and are looking for an entry-point to make your first contribution, look [here](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis/baseline/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22%3Astar_struck%3A+good+first+issue%22). That link shows all of the tagged `good first issues`, which are meant to be small pieces of work that a first-time contributor can pick-up and complete. If you find one that you'd like to work on, please assign yourself or comment on the issue and one of the maintainers can assign it for you.
+If you are new to the baseline project and are looking for an entry-point to make your first contribution, look [here](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22%3Astar_struck%3A+good+first+issue%22). That link shows all of the tagged `good first issues`, which are meant to be small pieces of work that a first-time contributor can pick-up and complete. If you find one that you'd like to work on, please assign yourself or comment on the issue and one of the maintainers can assign it for you.
 
 ## Submitting a new issue
 
-If you want to create a new issue that doesn't exist already, follow the guidelines in one of our [Issue Templates](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis/baseline/tree/master/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE).
+If you want to create a new issue that doesn't exist already, follow the guidelines in one of our [Issue Templates](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline/tree/main/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE).
 
 ## Submitting a new pull request
 
@@ -48,4 +48,4 @@ In the commit message, always continue the sentence "This commit does ...". Exam
 
 Anyone can do a pull request and commit. In order for your work to be merged, you will need to sign the eCLA (entity contributor agreement) if you are contributing on behalf of your company, or iCLA (individual contributor agreement) if you are just contributing for yourself. [Learn more about the eCLA here.](https://www.oasis-open.org/resources/projects/cla/projects-entity-cla)
 
-The iCLA is administered by a bot which will comment on your PR and direct you to sign the iCLA if you haven’t previously done so. This happens automatically when people submit a pull request, or they can access directly by going to [https://cla-assistant.io/eea-oasis/managed-open-project](https://cla-assistant.io/eea-oasis/managed-open-project).
+The iCLA is administered by a bot which will comment on your PR and direct you to sign the iCLA if you haven’t previously done so. This happens automatically when people submit a pull request, or they can access directly by going to [https://cla-assistant.io/ethereum-oasis-op/managed-open-project](https://cla-assistant.io/ethereum-oasis-op/managed-open-project).

LICENSE.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ so that notice of them may be posted.
 
 For information on any statements regarding IPR claims related to the work 
 of this project, see the 
-[OASIS OP IPR Statements](https://github.com/oasis-open-projects/administration/blob/master/IPR_STATEMENTS.md) 
+[OASIS OP IPR Statements](https://github.com/oasis-open-projects/administration/blob/main/IPR_STATEMENTS.md) 
 page.
 
 # CC0 1.0 Universal

MAINTAINERS.md

@@ -18,12 +18,10 @@ They can/should also contribute in the following ways:
 
 Code and Systems maintainers
 
-- [Yoav Bittan](https://github.com/Ybittan)
 - [Biswashree Dey](https://github.com/biscuitdey)
 - [Andreas Freund](https://github.com/Therecanbeonlyone1969)
 - [Ognjen Kurtic](https://github.com/ognjenkurtic)
-- [Keith Salzman](https://github.com/Kasshern)
-- [Kartheek Solipuram](https://github.com/skarred14)
+- [Stefan Kostic](https://github.com/skosito)
 
 # How to become a maintainer?
 
@@ -61,9 +59,9 @@ In general, a maintainer needs to:
 
 Maintainers meet and discuss issues virtually via the private #maintainers slack room in the [baseline slack](https://ethereum-baseline.slack.com/).
 
-## Bi-Weekly Meetings
+## Maintainer Meetings
 
-There are Bi-Weekly _Maintainers meetings_(https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88974739050?pwd=M2w1THFHdzBkaXp0STZtWXQyZXlYQT09) where members can discuss plans and issues related to the project, updates, release planning, and other related topics. These meetings are not public but special exceptions can be granted for members of the baseline community, experts, or other key participants. The summaries of the meetings will be posted to the public #maintainer-meeting slack room.
+Currently paused as the community regroups.
 
 # How to stop being a maintainer?
 

README.md

@@ -4,36 +4,64 @@ description: Learn more at baseline-protocol.org
 
 # Welcome
 
-## Welcome to the Baseline Protocol Community
+## Welcome to the Baseline Community
 
 The Baseline Protocol is a standard that enables enterprises to synchronize complex, multiparty, business processes with privacy and without moving data from systems of record. 
 
-There are many ways to[ **learn more**](https://www.baseline-protocol.org)**,** [**get involved**](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/get-involved/)**,** [**get 'Baselined'**](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/get-baselined/), and get value out of developing reusable components to ultimately deploy the [Baseline Protocol standard](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline-standard) in your own offerings. 
+There are many ways to[ **learn more**](https://www.baseline-protocol.org)**,** [**get involved**](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/get-involved/)**,** [**get 'Baselined'**](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/get-baselined/), and get value out of developing reusable components to ultimately deploy the [Baseline Protocol standard](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline-standard) in your own offerings. 
 
-## About the Baseline Protocol
+## New Community Focus
 
-The Baseline Protocol is the emerging standard for state synchronization across different systems of record. This applies to traditional corporate systems of record, any kind of database or [state machine](https://www.techopedia.com/definition/16447/state-machine), and even different blockchains or distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). It is particularly beneficial as a way to reduce capital expense and other overheads, while increasing operational integrity and information security when **automating and synchronizing business processes** across multiple companies.
+After the completion of the Baseline Protocol Standard and the reference implementation BRI-3, the community experienced a decline in activity. To revitalize and refocus the community, the remaining members obtained a grant from the EU Trustchain to build interoperability tests and demonstrate the protocol's potential in real-world scenarios.
 
-The Baseline Protocol initiative was [announced](https://consensys.net/blog/press-release/ey-and-consensys-announce-formation-of-baseline-protocol-initiative-to-make-ethereum-mainnet-safe-and-effective-for-enterprises/) on March 4, 2020, and launched as an [OASIS Open Source Project](https://oasis-open-projects.org) on March 19, 2020, supported by fourteen founding companies. More companies joined the effort shortly thereafter and continue to do so. In 2021, the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance and OASIS collaborated to establish the Baseline Protocol as an [EEA Community Project](https://entethalliance.org/eeacommunityprojects/#:\~:text=The%20EEA%20Community%20Projects%2C%20formerly,API%20documentation%20under%20its%20stewardship.). There are many notable, industry leading, companies sponsoring the Baseline Protocol, [see the list of sponsors](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/become-a-sponsor/) and learn how to become a sponsor and benefits [here](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/become-a-sponsor/).
+The community now focuses on financial inclusion and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as primary drivers. This pivot is driven by the recognition that the Baseline Protocol can play a crucial role in addressing significant global challenges, such as bridging the SME financing gap in developing regions and promoting sustainable business practices.
 
-The work of the community is maintained under a [public domain license](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline/blob/main/LICENSE).
+### Rationale for the Pivot
+
+1. **Financial Inclusion**: The Baseline Protocol Interoperability Demo showcases a use-case with potentially huge economic impact - bridging the SME financing gap in developing regions. By enabling efficient and verifiable data exchange processes, the protocol can help small-scale invoice financing operations attract large debt providers, aggregate fragmented portfolios across jurisdictions, and standardize origination procedures. This can lead to safer and more efficient lending practices, ultimately fostering economic growth and financial inclusion.
+
+2. **Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)**: The community recognizes the importance of ESG factors in modern business practices. By focusing on ESG, the Baseline Protocol can help organizations automate and synchronize business processes in a way that promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainability. This aligns with the growing demand for businesses to adopt responsible practices that benefit society and the environment.
+
+The community's brand statement, "Baseline Inside," reflects this renewed focus on leveraging the Baseline Protocol to drive positive change in financial inclusion and ESG.
+
+## About Baseline
+
+The Baseline Protocol is the global standard for state synchronization across different systems of record. This applies to traditional corporate systems of record, any kind of database or [state machine](https://www.techopedia.com/definition/16447/state-machine), and even different blockchains or distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). It is particularly beneficial as a way to reduce capital expense and other overheads, while increasing operational integrity and information security when **automating and synchronizing business processes** across multiple companies.
+
+The Baseline Protocol initiative was [announced](https://consensys.net/blog/press-release/ey-and-consensys-announce-formation-of-baseline-protocol-initiative-to-make-ethereum-mainnet-safe-and-effective-for-enterprises/) on March 4, 2020, and launched as an [OASIS Open Source Project](https://oasis-open-projects.org) on March 19, 2020, supported by fourteen founding companies. More companies joined the effort shortly thereafter and continue to do so. In 2021, the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance and OASIS collaborated to establish the Baseline Protocol as an [EEA Community Project](https://entethalliance.org/eeacommunityprojects/#:\~:text=The%20EEA%20Community%20Projects%2C%20formerly,API%20documentation%20under%20its%20stewardship.).
+
+Baseline Protocol Sponsors, [see the list of sponsors](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/become-a-sponsor/). Learn how to become a sponsor and benefits [here](https://www.baseline-protocol.org/become-a-sponsor/).
+
+The work of the community is maintained under a [public domain license](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline/blob/main/LICENSE).
 
 **New Contributors to the repository and standard, see** [**contribution guidelines here**](community/contributors.md#code-of-conduct)**.**
 
 ## The Baseline Protocol Source Code
 
-Version 1.0 of the Baseline Protocol has been released. It is composed of a set of 6 core packages that are open-sourced, under the [CC0 1.0 Universal public domain](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline/blob/main/LICENSE) dedication. 
+Version 1.0 of the Baseline Protocol has been released. It is composed of a set of 6 core packages that are open-sourced, under the [CC0 1.0 Universal public domain](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline/blob/main/LICENSE) dedication. 
 
 **You can find more about the** **source code** [**here**](docs/baseline-protocol-code/packages/)**.**
 
 ## The Baseline Protocol Standard
 
-The [Baseline Protocol Specifications ](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline-standard)were completed in September 2021 and is undergoing ratification to become an [OASIS Open Standard](https://www.oasis-open.org/standards/), available under the [CC0 1.0 Universal public domain](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline/blob/main/LICENSE) dedication.
+The [Baseline Protocol Specifications ](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline-standard) were completed in September 2021 and is undergoing ratification to become an [OASIS Open Standard](https://www.oasis-open.org/standards/), available under the [CC0 1.0 Universal public domain](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline/blob/main/LICENSE) dedication.
 
-The Baseline Protocol Standard contains three specifications - [CORE](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline-standard/tree/main/core), [API](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline-standard/tree/main/api), and [CCSM](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline-standard/tree/main/ccsm), that provide the requirements of a compliant Baseline Protocol Implementation (BPI).
+The Baseline Protocol Standard contains three specifications - [CORE](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline-standard/tree/main/core), [API](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline-standard/tree/main/api), and [CCSM](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline-standard/tree/main/ccsm), that provide the requirements of a compliant Baseline Protocol Implementation (BPI).
 
-**Find full details on the** [**Baseline Protocol Standard here**](https://github.com/eea-oasis/baseline-standard)**.**
+**Find full details on the** [**Baseline Protocol Standard here**](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline-standard)**.**
 
 ## The Baseline Protocol Reference Implementations
 
-A growing number of Baseline Protocol Reference Implementations can be found [here](docs/bri/overview-of-reference-implementations.md). Demos and examples can be found [here](https://github.com/ethereum-oasis/baseline/tree/master/examples). These are intended to help you understand baselining and give you ideas for your implementation needs.
+A growing number of [Baseline Protocol Reference Implementations](docs/bri/overview-of-reference-implementations.md), along with [demonstrations and examples]https://github.com/ethereum-oasis-op/baseline/tree/main/examples) are available to help you understand baselining and give you ideas for your implementation needs.
+
+## Baseline Protocol Interoperability Demo based on an EU Trustchain grant
+
+The Baseline Protocol Interoperability Demo focuses on a use-case with potentially huge economic impact - bridging the SME financing gap in the developing regions. The scenario involves multiple stakeholders including invoice financing companies, large debt providers, and regulatory bodies, participating in what should be an efficient and verifiable data exchange process that would allow the debt providers to safely and efficiently lend money to the invoice financing companies.
+
+The current financing landscape faces significant challenges due to:
+- Small-scale invoice financing operations unable to attract large debt providers
+- Fragmented portfolios across jurisdictions
+- Non-standardized origination procedures
+- Complex regulatory requirements
+
+The challenge is to develop a solution that enables portfolio aggregation while ensuring standardized origination processes and independent verification capabilities. The proposed approach leverages a modular software protocol to achieve these objectives while maintaining process integrity across all participating entities.

TECHNICAL-STEERING-COMMITTEE.md

@@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ The group is responsible for reviewing and approving proper use of the grant fun
 
 The following people were elected to serve on the Baseline TSC from November 2023 to November 2024 (in alphabetical order):
 
+* Ryan Fleischman
 * Andreas Freund
-* Biswashree Dey
 * Kartheek Solipuram
-* Mehran Shakeri
 * Ognjen Kurtic
-* Ryan Fleischmann
 * Sonal Patel
 
+The new TSC is currently being reconstituted.
+
 You can reach the TSC via the [mailing list](mailto:[email protected]).