CTOs urge ITU to lead global standards shake-up

Nineteen CTOs from some of the world's key information and communications technology (ICT) players have called upon International Telecommunication Union to provide a lead in an overhaul of the global ICT standardization landscape. The CTOs agreed on a set of recommendations and actions that will better address the evolving needs of a fast-moving industry; facilitate the launch of new products, services and applications; promote cost-effective solutions; combat climate change; and address the needs of developing countries regarding greater inclusion in standards development. Participants reaffirmed the increasing importance of standards in the rapidly changing information society. Standards are the 'universal language' that drives competitiveness by helping organizations optimize their efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness and innovation, the CTOs agreed. The standardization landscape has become complicated and fragmented, with hundreds of different industry forums and consortia. CTOs agreed that it has become increasingly tough to prioritize standardization resources, and called on ITU - as the preeminent global standards body - to lead a review to clarify the standardization scenario. This will allow ICT companies to make more efficient use of resources and ensure that standards are developed in the most appropriate bodies, benefiting both industry and users.