IEC 300: the dependability counterpart of ISO 9000

International Standard IEC 300 on dependability management being developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) will provide a unified approach to management and assurance of dependability, i.e., the reliability and maintainability performances of products and the performance of the maintenance support system. Intended to be the focal point for all dependability related standards prepared by the IEC, it will constitute a necessary complement to ISO 9000 on quality systems. Dependability is not a responsibility of either the supplier or the customer, but rather the responsibility of both. They both need mutually balanced and harmonized dependability programs. A dependability program prepared according to IEC 300 will ensure proper links between assurance elements within the supplier and customer organizations