[OSM-dev] API/XAPI caching proxy server

[Igor Brejc]

Hi,

Although I ranted before about the high barriers to entry in using the OSM
data, I agree with Frederik on this one. With limited resources providing a
good quality data query service isn't really a priority.

I've implemented support for XAPI in both Kosmos and Maperitive and it's a
flaky service, but since it's free, I and all of the users of my software
have to put up with it. On the other hand, if I were to provide a commercial
service and start making money out of it, I would sure set up my own
XAPI-like thing. Which I think many do, but for their own private/commercial
purposes, so you don't get to hear about it.

Maybe writing a nice letter to Steve C. at MS asking for some server
infrastructure would help? ;)

Regards,
Igor

On Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 8:10 PM, Frederik Ramm <frederik at remote.org> wrote:

> Hi,
>
>
> On 12/15/10 19:54, Wyo wrote:
>
>> Just tell me, how many people, who don't get paid for the work, have set
>> up their own XAPI server? A handful or a dozens, wordwide? Sorry forgive
>> me my harsh words, yet the current procedure to set up an XAPI server is
>> useless. For most interested people this is simply out of reach.
>>
>
> There are many things I am interested in but which are out of reach for me.
> I guess I'll either have to work on bringing them within reach, or I'll have
> to live with them being out of reach.
>
> Sure it's a nice thing to be able to download a data set of all pizza
> joints in Spain with one simple command, but time and money has to be
> invested to make it possible - money to buy servers, time to install and
> maintain servers, time to write and maintain the software.
>
> If I were an OSM admin, and I'm not, I'd divert resources away from
> non-essential services like that and into more power for people actually
> editing our data any time.
>
> If there are so many people who would like to have a well-working XAPI
> server or similar, let them get together, find a sponsor (that may also be
> some university that allows the group to use a server there), write the
> required software and just do it. They don't need support from OSM, OSMF,
> OSM Admins or anyone to get it done.
>
> If this hasn't happened until now, then that's a clear sign that there is
> not enough interest or not enough willingness to invest time and money in
> this.
>
> Sitting there any saying "I think OSM should make my life easier" isn't
> going to get anything accomplished.
>
> Bye
> Frederik
>
>
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