Google and Adobe support the W3C
In the past, the W3C, the body responsible for standardising web technologies, has been financed solely through membership fees, but now it has attracted its first ever corporate sponsors. Google is paying $100,000 (about €73,000) for its "Gold" status, Adobe half that for the title "Silver Sponsor". According to the latest price list, both companies pay W3C membership fees currently set at $68,500 per year. The organisation is still looking for a Platinum sponsor to donate $150,000 per annum.
According to the W3C, income from sponsorship will be used for purposes including training, documentation and tools. In return, the companies will receive free entry to TPAC (the organisation's annual general meeting), be identified as sponsors at workshops and have the opportunity to meet with senior W3C staff. Gold sponsors will also have the opportunity to meet senior W3C staff for a "value planning session" to "enable both organizations to learn more about their respective priorities and devise strategies for mutual benefit".
(djwm)
