Data communication standards

Effective communication of data among computer centers and remote terminals is essential to maximum utilization of current data processing resources. However, there are significant compatibility problems to be solved due to the broad differences inherent in existing ADP and communications systems and equipment. Steps are being taken to solve these problems by identifying and developing uniform standards and practices to satisfy the needs of specific, and in some cases general, communities of interest. A number of organizations, including professional societies, trade associations, government agencies at both the Federal and state levels, and national and international standards bodies, are involved in these activities. A review of the working relationships among these organizations, their current efforts, and some 50 existing standards pertaining to data communications should be of interest to everyone concerned with information processing and communications.