The RIPE NCC Executive Board is discussing RIPE Atlas as documented in the latest meeting minutes that have been published recently. https://www.ripe.net/lir-services/ncc/executive-board/minutes/2014/minutes-9... The relevant part is: --------- 3.3.1 ATLAS EB286 01/04/2014 AP The Board asked Axel to produce a break down of the costs for ATLAS over a period of 
3 years and an outlook beyond 2014 to see the development on OPEX and CAPEX in the coming years. Furthermore the Board asked to see a comparison between the current figures and a case where TTM and DNSMON services were continued in their current form in 2014 and beyond. Status 19/06/2014: DONE There was discussion about the value of ATLAS to the various stakeholders and the associated maintenance cost. After discussion the Board asked for clear documentation of the results of the activities so that they could review and ultimately justify the cost of the project overall. The Board discussed the ongoing cost of the ATLAS project. The Board agreed that the value of the project needed to be packaged correctly. ATLAS now has many other projects wrapped into it and the activity needed proper and concise documentation as well as a solid marketing plan moving forward. ACTION EB295: The Board asked Axel to produce a value proposition for the ATLAS service in preparation for the September meeting. --------- It looks to me that the board needs to be re-assured that RIPE Atlas is valuable enough for the membership to justify the cost. Between the lines I read basic support but a desire to hear a consistent story and success stories of benefit to the membership. Of course the RIPE NCC staff will produce an answer to the board and I will do my best to help with that. But ultimately the board is responsible to the membership. So it would be very very helpful if we could get some users of RIPE Atlas to speak up both directly to the board and to help us prepare our answer to the board. Daniel