What are Standards, Anyway?
Author: Andy Freed, CEO
Standards are one of those things that nobody really thinks about—until you need them. When I tell people we work with standards organizations, the first question I get is, “What exactly is a standard, anyway?”
A standard is a common framework that allows multiple companies or organizations to align around a single way of doing things. In the tech world, many standards focus on interoperability—ensuring that products and systems from different companies work seamlessly together.
Take mobile payments, for example. One of Virtual’s first clients was a group working on standards for mobile payments, which, at the time, was just an idea. Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to find a place where you can’t pay with your phone, watch, or another device. The process is fast, easy, and secure—all thanks to the standards that ensure these products work the same way, everywhere.
Now, what happens when there aren’t standards? Think about the difference between the Internet and power outlets. The Internet works the same no matter where you are; you can travel internationally and connect just like you would at home. But when it comes to power, you need adapters and converters to make your devices work in different countries. Nobody wants the hassle of carrying multiple accessories and worrying about compatibility. This is exactly the type of problem that standards can solve.
With new technologies and innovations constantly emerging, standards play a critical role in making everything work together. At Virtual, we’re proud to partner with dozens of organizations that are creating and advancing standards that impact our daily lives, from tech to healthcare.
These organizations range from long-established groups to new entities formed to address emerging needs. We bring these groups together, guide them through the best practices for creating standards, help move ideas from drafts to fully implemented standards, and support global adoption through strategic marketing and communications programs.
Whether they are shaping the future of payments or connectivity, it’s a privilege to support our clients in making their mark on the world—one standard at a time.