Memorandum of Understanding or MoU

Memorandum of Understanding or MoU is quite frequently heard terminology. MoU is an agreement between parties for any clause including things related to networking. We usually read about signing Memorandum of Understanding or MoU on the political pages of Newspapers. But, in essence, Memorandum of Understanding or MoU is used for maintaining inter-continental Internet connections too. As can be understood, Memorandum of Understanding or MoU is honored usually between two parties and is bilaterally supported.

Basics of Memorandum of Understanding or MoU

Formal alternative to a gentlemen’s agreement is Memorandum of Understanding or MoU. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intention to undertake a common policy. It is often used in cases where the parties do not wish to undertake a legal commitment or in situations where the parties can not create a legally binding agreement. Many companies and government agencies use MoUs to define relationships between departments, agencies or companies.

In practical life, you might hear, some company’s director is stating that – “We have signed MoU with the Government”. MoU is more towards business relationship for using, sharing or allowing to use the resources than towards core political agreement.

Memorandum of Understanding or MoU in Networking and Technology

The Number Resource Organization (NRO) is an unincorporated organization uniting the five RIRs. It came into existence on October 24, 2003, when the four existing RIRs entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in order to undertake joint activities, including joint technical projects, liaison activities and policy co-ordination. This is an example of usage and importance of MoU in Networking. A regional Internet registry (RIR) is an organization that manages the allocation and registration of Internet number resources within a particular region of the world. Internet number resources include IP addresses and autonomous system (AS) numbers.

The Regional Internet Registry system evolved over time, eventually dividing the world into five RIRs:

1. African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC) for Africa
2. American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) for the United States, Canada, several parts of the Caribbean region, and Antarctica
3. Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) for Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring countries Latin America and Caribbean
4. Network Information Centre (LACNIC) for Latin America and parts of the Caribbean region
5. Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) for Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Central Asia

As it is not possible to go to frank legal commitment, this kind of agreement is made.