Section Explanation

Status. The status indicator provides an assessment of the overall quality and maturity of the technology description. One of four indicators is assigned by the STR staff: Draft, In Review, Advanced, or Complete.

Draft technology descriptions have the following attributes:

• They need more work.
• They have generally not been reviewed.
• Overall assessment: While technology descriptions labeled "Draft" will contain some useful information, readers should not rely on these descriptions as their only source of information about the topic. Readers should consider these descriptions as starting points for conducting their own research about the technology.

• They are thought to be in fair technical shape.
• They have begun an internal review cycle¹.
• They may have major issues that must be resolved, or some sections that may require additional text.
• Relevant keywords have been added to the Keyword Index.
• Overall assessment: Readers can get some quality information from these, but because these descriptions have not been completely reviewed, readers should explore some of the references for additional information and consider conducting their own research about the technology.

• They are in good technical shape.
• Internal review has occurred.
• There are minor issues to be worked, but it is generally polished.
• They are subject to additional review by external reviewers.
• Relevant keywords have been added to the Keyword Index.
• Overall assessment: These descriptions are in rather good shape, but because they have not been through external review, readers should exercise some caution.
• Note: We encourage readers to critique Advanced technology descriptions, especially for content accuracy. Please see the feedback section for more details.

• At least one expert external review has occurred, and issues from that review have been resolved.
• Relevant keywords have been added to the Keyword Index.
• No additional work is necessary at this time.
• Overall assessment: These technology descriptions are believed to be complete and correct. They would be revised in the future based on additional external reviewers, new information, and public feedback.
• Note: We encourage readers to critique Complete technology descriptions, especially for content accuracy. Please see the feedback section for more details.

¹ Internal review cycle refers to the review process that takes place within the development/editorial team.