The imposition, by a third party, or with agreement, of a set on manufacturers.

There is a set of standards that both software and hardware must adhere to if it is to be recognized by certain bodies.

W3C: the World Wide Web Consortium develops standards for the internet. ISO: the International Standards Organization currently has over 14000 standards.

This means everything is built and works to the same level of quality. A standard will ensure that items of a similar type, from different manufacturers will work together using the same protocols. However, there are many different standards and thy are not always compatible with each other.

Cost

If you purchase something which is not part of the global standard, the upgrades and parts will be very expensive because they are from a specific source. If you do not buy the correct item that are compatible with your computer, they might not work correctly.

Availability

If there is a limited availability for a piece of hardware, the supply will be limited. Limited supply has a knock-on adverse effect on cost. If availability is limited, then the support for it is also likely to be limited and expensive.

Technical Support

Some older computers of the same type will not be able to use the new processors, RAM or graphics cards because the standard has moved on.

E.g. Rapid development in wireless network devices.

Although there is a set of standards released by the OS manufacturers, (so that the applications will work with the OS) there is limited compatibility between the standards.

Software standards are just linked to operating systems. Web pages are written for different computers (different OS and browsers) and standard means that the pages can be viewed on different platforms. However, the elements of web pages cannot be view correctly on different computers (e.g. Colour and alignment)

Lack of standardisation among web browsers might not see the design of the page correctly. In many case it wouldnt matter, but the colour, text, some code may not appear or work properly, which can limit the functionality. In manufacturers views, it is not a bad thing, because they can continually release new hardware and make more money.

When one company takes over another, there will be incompatibilities.

The two companies might have standardisation within themselves, but a lack of global standards might mean that systems do not function with one another.

No communication between systems Miscommunication between systems leading to incorrect data being shared New equipment having to be purchased Staff need to be trained to use the new systems Lack of technical support on the new system.

What are standards? Describe two effects on a user having a different hardware standards. What are the problems of having different standards? How does standardisation affect how web pages are displayed? What are advantages of a lack of standardisation to a company?