2. 1 Standards and Standardisation in IT -A General Overview The process of standardisation cannot be regarded as a simple, one dimensional activity required to lay down technical rules and guidelines, taking place in a removed world of its own. Rather, it must be considered in conjunction with the environment within which it takes place. Very different facets need to be taken into account when trying to actually understand this process. Even if we disregard social, moral and religious rules for the moment, standards -still in a very general sense -have been with us for quite some time: about 5,000 years ago the first alphabets emerged, enabling completely new forms of communication and information storage. Some 2,500 years later, the first national, coin-based currency, invented by the Lydians, established the basis for easier inter-regional and even international trading. The industrial revolution in the 18th century and, more so, the advent of the railroad in the 19th century resulted in a need for technical standards, which was once more reinforced when mass production generated a demand for interchangeable parts. In parallel, the invention of the electric telegraph in 1837 triggered the development of standards in the field of electrical communication technology. In 1865, the International Telegraph Union -to become the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1932 -was founded by twenty states. The other major international standards setting body, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), was established in 1947."

Quality assurance is an essential aspect for ensuring the success of corporations worldwide. Consistent quality requirements across organizations of similar types ensure that these requirements can be accurately and easily evaluated. Shaping the Future Through Standardization is an essential scholarly book that examines quality and standardization within diverse organizations globally with a special focus on future perspectives, including how standards and standardization may shape the future. Featuring a wide range of topics such as economics, pedagogy, and management, this book is ideal for academicians, researchers, decision makers, policymakers, managers, corporate professionals, and students.

Standardization is no longer a technical activity. Rather, most large firms as well as policymakers and many other public sector entities have realized the economic and political relevance of information and communication technology standards. Accordingly, an increasing number of firms and public authorities experience the need to properly manage their standardization activities. Corporate Standardization Management and Innovation is an essential reference source that discusses various aspects that relate to the management of standardization in private firms and the public sector and identifies good practices in the internal and external management of standardization activities. Focusing around research areas such as digital market, global business, and business strategy, this book is designed to assist academics, practitioners, and researchers in the identification of good practices in management of standardization activities.

Quality assurance is an essential aspect for ensuring the success of corporations worldwide. Consistent quality requirements across organizations of similar types ensure that these requirements can be accurately and easily evaluated. Shaping the Future Through Standardization is an essential scholarly book that examines quality and standardization within diverse organizations globally with a special focus on future perspectives, including how standards and standardization may shape the future. Featuring a wide range of topics such as economics, pedagogy, and management, this book is ideal for academicians, researchers, decision makers, policymakers, managers, corporate professionals, and students.

In fields as diverse as research and development, governance, and international trade, success depends on effective communication and processes. However, limited research exists on how professionals can utilize procedures and express themselves consistently across disciplines. Corporate and Global Standardization Initiatives in Contemporary Society is a critical scholarly resource that examines standardization in organizations. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics, such as business standards, information technology standards, and mobile communications, this book is geared towards professionals, students, and researchers seeking current research on standardization for diverse settings and applications.

Standardization is no longer a technical activity. Rather, most large firms as well as policymakers and many other public sector entities have realized the economic and political relevance of information and communication technology standards. Accordingly, an increasing number of firms and public authorities experience the need to properly manage their standardization activities. Corporate Standardization Management and Innovation is an essential reference source that discusses various aspects that relate to the management of standardization in private firms and the public sector and identifies good practices in the internal and external management of standardization activities. Focusing around research areas such as digital market, global business, and business strategy, this book is designed to assist academics, practitioners, and researchers in the identification of good practices in management of standardization activities.

The use of standards to optimize the interoperability of systems has become commonplace in the business world. Though once believed to limit innovation, it has been shown that standardization promotes organizational growth. Through defining norms for given technologies, managers open themselves to new opportunities and developments. Effective Standardization Management in Corporate Settings is a pivotal reference source that assesses the link between standards and efficiency in the business world. This innovative publication addresses the economic importance, global impacts, effective tools, and strategies employable across all levels of an organization. Ideal for managers, business owners, business students, and IT professionals, this progressive book highlights the best practices and procedures to bring standardization to the forefront of the contemporary business model.

In fields as diverse as research and development, governance, and international trade, success depends on effective communication. However, limited research exists on how professionals can express themselves consistently across disciplines. Modern Trends Surrounding Information Technology Standards and Standardization within Organizations showcases the far-ranging economic and societal ramifications incited by technical standardization between individuals, organizations, disciplines, and nations. This publication serves as a valuable model for inter-disciplinary scholars, IT researchers, and professionals interested in the link between technology and social change in an increasingly networked and interconnected global society.

In light of the emerging global information infrastructure, information technology standards are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, however, the standards setting process has been criticized as being slow, inefficient and out of touch with market needs. What can be done to resolve this situation? To provide a basis for an answer to this question, Information Technology Standards and Standardization: A Global Perspective paints as full a picture as possible of the varied and diverse aspects surrounding standards and standardization. This book will serve as a foundation for research, discussion and practice as it addresses trends, problems and solutions for and by numerous disciplines, such as economics, social sciences, management studies, politics, computer science and, particularly, users.

Standardization has the potential to shape, expand, and create markets. Information technology has undergone a rapid transformation in the application of standards in practice, and recent developments have augmented the need for the divulgence of supplementary research. Standardization Research in Information Technology: New Perspectives amasses cutting-edge research on the application of standards in the market, covering topics such as corporate standardization, linguistic qualities of international standards, the role of individuals in standardization, and the development, use, application, and influence of information technology in standardization techniques.

Advanced Topics in Information Technology Standards and Standardization Research is a series of books which features the most current research findings in all aspects of IT standardization research, from a diversity of angles, traversing the traditional boundaries between individual disciplines. ""Advanced Topics in Information Technology Standards and Standardization Research, Volume 1"", is a part of this series. ""Advanced Topics in Information Technology Standards and Standardization Research, Volume 1,"" presents a collection of chapters addressing a variety of aspects related to IT standards and the setting of standards. This book covers a variety of topics, such as economic aspects of standards, alliances in standardization and the relation between 'formal' standards bodies and industry consortia. It also offers a glimpse inside a standards working group, as well as a look at applications of standards in different sectors.

The acceleration of the Internet and the growing importance of ICT in the globalized markets have played a vital role in the progressively difficult standardization of ICT companies. With the related economic importance of standards, companies and organizations are bringing their own ideas and technologies into the Internet's standard settings.Innovations in Organizational IT Specification and Standards Development provides advancing research on all current aspects of IT standards and standardization. This book aims to be useful in gaining knowledge for IT researchers, scholars, and practitioners alike.