Future Directions Handbook

IEEE Standards

IEEE Standards are developed using a time-tested, effective and trusted process that is easily explained in a six stage lifecycle diagram: http://standards.ieee.org/develop/index.html

Standards are published documents that establish specifications and procedures designed to maximize the reliability of the materials, products, methods, and/or services people use every day. Standards address a range of issues, including but not limited to various protocols to help maximize product functionality and compatibility, facilitate interoperability and support consumer safety and public health.

Standards form the fundamental building blocks for product development by establishing consistent protocols that can be universally understood and adopted. This helps fuel compatibility and interoperability and simplifies product development, and speeds time-to-market. 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 the use of standards that the requirements of interconnectivity and interoperability can be assured. It is only through the application of standards that the credibility of new products and new markets can be verified. In summary, standards fuel the development and implementation of technologies that influence and transform the way we live, work, and communicate.

Recommendations to New Initiatives

To complement the work done by IEEE Standards Association (SA) as referenced above, some IEEE Societies and Councils have committees who focus on the identification, development, and work on potential new standards.

Each of the standardization efforts may result in new workshops, educational opportunities, and papers that result in potential new revenue to the given OU.

To optimize work within an initiative,

1. Establish a standards track comprised of a leader(s) and committee members;
2. Look at hosting/organizing panel sessions/tutorials within patron conferences;
   1. Utilize representatives to connect with Conference Chairs to develop a panel session/tutorial that can be rotated from conference to conference for visibility
3. Look at hosting a one day workshop co-located at an existing IEEE conference;
4. Identify potential ideas and problems to solve that necessitate the creation of a standard;
5. Establish a strategy, roadmap, plan, and schedule.
6. Explore collaboration opportunities with both internal and external to IEEE

Roles and Responsibilities

Taking an active role in IEEE standards development activities for a particular Initiative requires volunteers to make their peers and industry practitioners aware of IEEE standards and encouraging them to visit the Initiative web portal for more information and how to participate in related standards activities.