> > str_to_blob()
> > blob_to_str()
>
> Why not just casting?

The functionality is what I am looking for.
Enhancing cast() to support the blob datatype
would be my first choice.

> > sub_str()
> > r_trim()
> > l_trim()
> > str_len()
>
> I'd like to see the same names as those used in at
> least one other product. :-)

Right. The above is just my lame convention. If SQL
defines a standard we should likely use it, if not we
should consider as a community what convention fits best.

> What would the process for getting certification and
> endorsment look like?

Undefined at this time I suppose.

Markus