Process control in standards bodies

The author discusses major changes in the nature of telecommunication standards over the past 15 years. Fifteen years ago, standards followed technology, and manufacturers dominated standards activities. Contentions were avoided by adoption of multiple options in the standards. Today, users have a large presence in standards development. They demand interoperability of products and reject nonresolution on contentions. Standards processes are protracted and standards now lead technology. The author identifies three major trends. (1) Consumers and users in the telecommunications industry are increasingly demanding compliance with standards. (2) Standards activities are growing at a rapid rate. (3) There is a growing sense of urgency about standards. He asserts that these major trends can only be satisfied through increasing the responsiveness by standards bodies. He suggests seven ways to press for process control in standards bodies.<>