Authorized use of PODS

Ten of the most frequently asked questions

1 - How is the Intellectual Property of the PODS Pipeline Data Model protected?

The PODS Pipeline Data Model is copyright protected. Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act provides the Copyright Owner (The PODS Association, Inc.) the exclusive right to establish the terms under which others may use the PODS Pipeline Data Model.

2 - What uses of PODS are covered?

Any and all uses of the PODS Pipeline Data Model fall within the jurisdiction of this copyright protection. Uses may include creating or accessing a PODS database, creating software to view or interact with data contained within a PODS database, creating any derivative work, procedure, documentation, graphical interface, computer program, engineering analysis, translation into another language, or other work which utilizes or interacts with a PODS database.

3 - Who is authorized to use PODS?

Unrestricted use of current and past releases of PODS for pipeline assets owned by the member company is granted to current PODS member companies and their subsidiaries. In order to use new releases of PODS, such as new tables, and to receive updates to documentation, companies must maintain a current PODS membership.

4 - Why does PODS use Membership instead of Licensing?

The nature of a data model is not easily handled in terms of licensing, and the process to develop the technical solution to license PODS would be very expensive. The Association also has finite resources, and we believe those resources are best spent supporting collaborative efforts to improve and refine the PODS Pipeline Data Model and its documentation, and in educating the pipeline industry on the benefits of using PODS as an integral part of their pipeline data management systems.

Membership in the PODS Association also provides your employees a number of other benefits beyond that provided by a software license, including access to a global network of pipeline data management professionals.

5 - Can we use PODS on a trial basis?

Yes, under certain circumstances. The PODS Executive Director may authorize a Pipeline Operator to conduct a 60-day trial use of PODS when certain criteria are met. This trial period does not include all the benefits of PODS membership, such as access to online resources, but it will authorize the Pipeline Operator to evaluate PODS as part of a pipeline data management solution.

Interested Pipeline Operating companies may submit a PODS-trial request to Janet Sinclair, PODS Executive Director at janet.sinclair@pods.org. The request must include a description of the planned trial implementation, a statement that the company will either join the PODS Association or discontinue all use of PODS after the 60-day trial period, and be signed by a duly authorized company representative familiar with Intellectual Property issues.

6 – Can I provide PODS to another company?

No, member companies are not authorized to distribute PODS to any other company or individual, or to provide PODS in any other format, such as a hosted database, to another company. Each company must maintain their own membership in the Association in order to be authorized to use PODS as defined in Question 2.

7 – Can I provide PODS to a subsidiary?

Yes, only the highest corporate entity need join PODS in order for all other divisions or subsidiaries to use PODS. Unrestricted use of current and past releases of PODS for pipeline assets owned by the member company is granted to current PODS member companies and their subsidiaries.

8 - How can I check our company’s PODS membership status?

PODS maintains a list of current members on the PODS website. If your company name is not listed, your company is either not a current member, or requested their name not be listed on the PODS website. Contact Janet Sinclair for more information.

9 - What are the benefits of PODS membership?

Here are the “Top 10” reasons to join the PODS Association.

Reason #1 – Legal use of the PODS Pipeline Data Model.

The PODS Pipeline Data Model is the intellectual property of the PODS Association, Inc. and the Association holds the exclusive right, title, and interest, including copyright, to this intellectual property. In order to legally use the PODS Pipeline Data Model, your company must be a member of the PODS Association, or have been a member when the version you are using was released.

Reason #2 – Receive New Releases.

The work of the PODS Technical Committee is to incorporate approved changes, enhancements, and improvements to the PODS Pipeline Data Model. Both major and minor releases of the PODS Data Model occur periodically. The Association also publishes updates to PODS documentation, including the PODS Data Dictionary, the PODS Implementation Guide, PODS Data Interchange Standards, and other documentation. To receive new releases and documentation updates, you must be a current member of the PODS Association.

Reason #3 – Unlimited Access to PODS Online Resources.

Some areas of the PODS website are accessible only by login. Your employees’ access to these areas is governed through our membership database. An unlimited number of member-company employees may create a login to the PODS website. Members may download current and past releases of the PODS Pipeline Data Model and documentation. Also available are PODS Data Interchange Standards, sample domain values, and other documentation. The Association has also created the PODS Technical Forum and Wiki-PODS, where PODS members post questions, and read and search for answers to questions, and review, search, and collaborate on PODS documentation in a members-only environment.

Reason #4 – Voting Rights.

Each member company may cast a single vote in PODS Board of Directors elections, and in other matters put before the membership for vote. The voting member for each company is designated on the PODS membership form.

Reason #5 – Advanced Review of New Releases.

Once a new release is approved by the PODS Technical Committee and the PODS Board of Directors, it is sent to PODS member companies for review and comment. Members are encouraged to test the changes included in the new release, and to submit comments back to the Association on their findings. These comments are compiled and each one is addressed. The dialogue of comments and responses is documented and included in the final release documentation, as well as a detailed description of any modifications made to the model as a result of the comments received.

Reason #6 – The Opportunity for Representation on the PODS Technical Committee and the PODS Board of Directors.

PODS member companies are encouraged to submit candidates to serve on the PODS Technical Committee and the PODS Board of Directors. Participation on the Technical Committee is subject to Technical Committee Steering Committee approval. PODS Board members are elected by PODS-member companies. Each member company in good standing may nominate candidates for these positions.

Reason #7 – Recognition as a PODS member.

PODS maintains a list of current member companies on the PODS website, including a link to each company’s website. Each new member company has the option to authorize PODS to display this information when they submit their membership form. PODS members may display the PODS logo for as long as they maintain their membership in the Association. This includes web, print, and email advertising, as well as tradeshows and exhibits.

Reason #8 – Learn from pipeline data managers from around the globe.

Many of the issues faced by any one member are common across the industry. To ensure that an organization makes the most effective decisions, they need to be aware of industry best practices and lessons learned.

Each year at the PODS User Conference, member companies give presentations on technical challenges they have faced, and the solutions they have developed. These best practices and lessons learned can help you to avoid roadblocks and pitfalls, and lead to a more efficient solution.

Reason #9 – Network with other PODS users.

PODS provides its members with opportunities to interact with their peers in the international pipeline community. Attending the PODS User Conference, joining Work Groups and Committees, and participating in the online Technical Forum can help individuals to establish and build long-term industry peer relationships.

The annual PODS User Conference brings together pipeline data management experts from around the globe, and offers a uniquely open forum to discuss challenges, developments, real-world experiences, and progress in the field of pipeline data collection, analysis, and management. Many individuals have indicated that the knowledge gained from conversations with other members is one of the most valuable benefits of their continued membership in the PODS Association.

Reason #10 – No cost Attendance at the PODS User Conference.

Member companies are strongly encouraged to attend the annual PODS User Conference. Each member company may send multiple attendees at no cost, but the number of free attendees may vary from year to year.

10 – As a member, what access do I have to what goes on within the Association?

The leadership of the PODS Association strives to keep members well informed and to keep communication channels open. In addition to providing quarterly newsletters and up-to-date information on the PODS website, the Association also periodically conducts webinars, posts meeting minutes, provides Association meeting schedules, sends announcements and notifications, and publishes all PODS Board member email addresses. PODS also provides a toll-free phone number, 866-460-PODS, which connects you directly to the PODS Executive Director.

At the annual PODS User Conference, we also provide an update from the PODS President, an update from the PODS Technical Committee, and conduct our annual business meeting with members in attendance.