Members of GGF and EGA: We are pleased to announce that on February 6 the EGA and the GGF signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to merge, bringing together two leading grid organizations with a shared mission and common values. This LOI has been approved by both the GGF's Grid Forum Steering Group (GFSG) and the EGA Board of Directors. It was the result of hundreds of hours spent developing and agreeing upon an overall merger framework based upon a set of guiding principles for success. We expect the benefits to our members and the grid community to include: . The ability to move quickly to create standards and architectures that will accelerate grid adoption . A clearer voice for communicating our views, direction, progress and results . More effective collaboration with other grid organizations, industry and government bodies, vendors and research organizations For now, a joint team will begin merger transition planning, with the expected result of a new, merged organization in summer 2006. Finally, we want to stress that until the merger is concluded, each organization will continue to operate independently. This will preserve the continuity of work including all technical, marketing and membership activities. Please watch for additional news from your respective organizations in the coming weeks. A FAQ with additional details about this announcement is available at http://www.ggf.org/News/ggf_newscal_egaFAQ.php. Don Deutsch, President Mark Linesch, Chair Enterprise Grid Alliance Global Grid Forum