So what is it then…
From RIPE-200:
Collects default-free BGP routing information
between AS’s (EBGP) from several locations
and stores it as a function of time at RIPE
NCC
Allows service’s users to see all routes
anywhere on the Internet and their
development over time
Think of the RIS as a giant, integrated Looking
Glass with historical information about the
Internet’s logical structure.