Life Cycle of Open Standard

Whenever we create business either online or in traditional way, there is an agreed way of doing things. This is known as Standards. For example, if you are planning to establish business of making bed sheets then as per standards minimum length of bed sheets need to be 7 feet in long. These standards can be formally published or an informal way un-written procedure.

Why do We Need Standards ?
Standards help us, as consumers, To understand what we’re buying–whether Some thing is going to be fit for the purpose for which we buy it, and whether it is going to be of suitable quality. Standards also make it easier to understand and compare competing products. As standards are globally adopted and applied in many markets, they also fuel international trade. It is only through application of standards that the credibility of new products and new markets can be verified.

Standards Provides :

1. Safety and reliability –
   Users consider standard products as more dependable and this also increase there trust on company providing standard products.
2. Support of government policies and legislation –
   Standards are frequently referenced by regulators and legislators for protecting user and business interests, and to support government policy.
3. Interoperability –
   The ability of devices to work together relies on products and services complying with standard.
4. Open up market access –
   By increasing awareness of technical developments and initiatives.

What are Open Standards ?
Open Standards are publicly available documents that contain implementable specifications. These are made available for anyone to use and adapt, e.g. computer software that is freely available on Internet, and which provides original source code so advanced users can modify it.

Life Cycle Of Open Standard :
Standards follow life cycle where they constantly mature adapting to changes in environment or fade away when no longer in use.

Life Cycle Of Standard

1. Emerge :
   When a new standard is under development or review, it is known to be in emerge phase. These standards are pending evaluations by accredited bodies and are not in use by companies. Example: Aero-Trains, A team of Japanese researchers have built prototype of an Aero-train which levitates on cushion of air.
2. Current :
   When the emerging standards are accredited and approved and are in use in industry are known to be in Current phase. Example: Electric trains – Which runs on electricity.
3. Obsolete :
   When the standards are not in use by industry because of changing environment, they are known to be Obsolete. Standards that do not change are likely to fade away with passing of time. Such standards are generally replaced with new standards. Example: Railway steam locomotives.
4. Revision :
   Standards evolve with changes in industries and attain different level of maturity. They move through maturation driven by efficiency and value. Example: Originally rail tracks were connected using wood or concrete, which has been upgraded to use Ballast-less track.

Benefits Of Standards :

• Interoperability –
  When a product is made as per standards then that product works well with products manufactured by other company.
• Prevents vendor lock in –
  Allow users to choose products from any company without bothering about its functioning.
• Collaborative innovation –
  Allow many organizations to come together to solve complex issue.
• Lower cost –
  There is no cost involved in development of standards.
• Freedom of action –
  Users are free to depend on many companies for services rather than depending on single company.