POSC Request for Technology
Open Source Log Utility

Issued: September 6, 2005
Due Data Revised due to Hurricane Rita: 
Proposals Due: October 10, 2005 

Introduction

This is an call for technology issued by POSC and addressed to the members of the PWLS (Well Log) and WITSML (Drilling and Completions) Special Interest Groups. This document describes the scope and substance of the technology that is being requested as well as the procedures and guidelines for submitters. 

Request for Technology Details 

POSC seeks an open source software utility 

• To be made available under the POSC Product License Agreement (http://www.posc.org/about/license.shtml) 
• For use by operators, contractors, and other organizations; for use by log analysts, petrophysicists and data managers.
• To convert existing log data from CWLS LAS 2.0 and 3 formats (Reference: http://www.cwls.org/las_info.php) 
• Into WITSML™ well log data representation (Reference: http://www.witsml.org).

Characteristics:

• Uses a batch, scripted, and/or interactive user interface
• Addresses depth-based and time-based LAS structures
• The solution must be capable of running in a Windows XP operating system. Platform independent solutions are welcome and must be fully functional in the Windows XP environment. Solutions may require the installation of reasonably available infrastructure and utility components. They are not limited to the use of native operating system features.
• Readily suitable for use by a Drilling or Subsurface professional end-user, including identifying and confirming selected input data and saving output data under user-defined names in user-determined locations.
• The technology must generate WITSML log and wellLog object instances as well as other WITSML object instances needed to fully map the source data as long as the source data remains within the scope of what is generally considered log data.
• The technology must be able to render the output data in a compatible LAS form (for easy comparison with the source data), such as via an XML style sheet. 
• The technology must include samples of valid input data to verify correct operation and that data must pass the CWLS LAS validation process. Given that it is not uncommon for LAS data composed by hand and unvalidated, sample data with errors should be included.
• The submission must demonstrate that the technology functions property using a variety of input data, including the sample data provided on the CWLS Web site. 

Intellectual Property and Compensation:

• Proposals must include compensation requirements (all-inclusive, lump sum, payable in USD) for a non-exclusive, perpetual license to POSC for the rights to publish and use the submitted material, including source code, executable build processes, and executable components.
• It is believed that many organizations have technology close to meeting these requirements and that, therefore, the compensations requirements should be relatively low.

Additional Requirements:

• Submissions must conform to current published specifications for source and target data formats. 
• State the programming languages used, although there is no limit on the choice of programming language.
• State any and all third-party products that may be required for the building and/or running of the utility, noting the source and terms under which these products may be licensed for use.
• An organization may make multiple submissions, each of which must be for a single utility (technology).
• Submissions should describe the features of the submitted technology and should explain how the technology addresses: 
  • usability
  • mapping of LAS structured data to WITSML data representation
  • mapping of LAS parameter data to WITSML parameters
  • provisions for user modification of the mappings
  • support for multiple target versions and/or objects (e.g., WITSML log or wellLog)
  • input dictionaries (LAS well, parameter, curve, etc.)
  • localization of dictionaries by users
  • memory, disk, process, hardware, and software requirements

Selection Process: 

• The selection will be made on technical and cost criteria.
• The selection will be made by POSC staff in consultation with selected, non-submitter members of the Well Log (PWLS) and WITSML (Drilling and Completions) SIG.
• More than one submitted technology may be selected, in which case each would be made available for use.

Submission Process:

• You may submit one or more responses to the Request for Technology to POSC, Open Source Log Utility RFT at the Houston office or by e-mail no later than 5:00 PM US Central Time on September 30, 2005.
• Submitters may contact POSC by telephone or e-mail to request confirmation of receipt.
• The target date for completing the selection process is November 7, 2005.
• You may submit requests for clarification in writing to Alan Doniger at POSC. Responses will be sent to the submitter and will be posted on this Web page.

Open Source Evolution

• After the conclusion of transfer agreements with the successful technology submitters, POSC will publish the results for use by industry.
• POSC may choose to post the utilities in a Open Source Registry.
• POSC will coordinate enhancements to the utilities following open source procedures, governed by a team composed of POSC staff and volunteers from the Well Log and WITSML SIGs. 

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