Upstream Project Update - June 2016

TESTING: The list of pilot/alpha testing markets consists of MLS Listings (Sunnyvale, Calif.), RMLS Portland (Oregon), West Penn MLS (Pittsburgh, Pa.), North Texas Real Estate Information Service (NTREIS) and NorthstarMLS (Saint Paul).   Rule collection has been completed for each MLS and the teams have found common patterns that may lead to streamlining the process without a loss in fidelity.  We have finalized the participating brokers in each of the test markets and are assessing vendor usage to determine which 3rd party vendors to include in the pilot.  The final list of pilot brokers are:

•  MLSListings Inc.
  •  Pacific Union International, Inc.
  •  Keller Williams Los Gatos Estates
  •  RE/MAX Gold
•  NorthstarMLS
  •  Edina Realty, Inc
  •  RE/MAX Results
  •  Keller Williams Classic Realty Northwest
•  NTREIS
  •  RE/MAX DFW Associates
  •  Keller Williams Arlington
•  RMLS
  •  Coldwell Banker Bain/Seal
  •  RE/MAX Equity Group
  •  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Properties
  •  Keller Williams Realty of Eugene and Springfield
•  West Penn MLS Inc.
  •  RE/MAX Select
  •  Northwood Realty Services
  •  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty
  •  Howard Hanna

DEVELOPMENT:  The vendor has completed Sprint 6 and initiated Sprint 7.  Both Sprints are focused on  API provisioning and availability, input and search interfaces, and MLS input rule collection.  The Upstream Technology Work Group met with the vendor onsite and review onboarding architecture and API framework and documentation.   They are scheduled to review the UI (interface) in July.   The CEO has reviewed the development process and Sprint timeline and has implemented control measures to ensure accountability and influence velocity.  He additionally has been added into the product design and specification process and will influence usability. An API test has been completed where we discovered onboarding/process (not technical) issues.  The team is working on an onboarding process and checklist to remove ambiguity and streamline adoption.

STAFFING: No additional staff has been added to the project in June.   A July hire for a Project Coordinator is in process to assist the CEO in managing workgroups, develop both MLS and Broker Advisory groups, marketing and communications.

AGREEMENTS: The Agreements Work Group is finalizing participation agreement templates between Brokers and 3rd Party Vendors, Upstream and MLSs, and Upstream and Participants to help define usage rights and protect the confidentiality of proprietary information Upstream maintains in its system. These agreements and templates are targeting completion in July.

GOVERNANCE: No new governance items have been addressed in the month of June.   We will be addressing issues regarding the board elections in October this month pertaining to the percentage of board members that change at any one time.  Alex Lange has requested a review of the operating agreement and a potential amendment to restrict the total percentage of board change during any election to maintain board/staff continuity.

NOTE FROM THE CEO:  I'm very excited to bring you this update and to work with CMLS.   After my first month, I've assessed the project and all pilot stakeholders.   I've determined our (Upstream) communication with the industry has been far from excellent and has led to misinformation and unwarranted concern.  I am changing how we operate and making the entire initiative as transparent as possible.    With that said, I will launch the Upstream website in a few weeks. It will have designs, documentation and talking points so you can inform your teams. I will frequently post our status and write about what’s working, what’s not and how we’re addressing issues (the good, the bad and the ugly). I will dissect our operating agreement for you as well as our corporate charter. You will have access to everything that is Upstream. Additionally, I’m creating both an MLS and Broker advisory group and intentionally add our greatest “naysayers.” If you want to do world-class work, you must seek out criticism… not just accolades.   You can read more about my first thirty days here: http://bit.ly/29kaTcm