Open Standards Requirements

The personal computer revolution and the following internet wave have resulted in a large influx of new technology stakeholders. These new stakeholders have a material interest in the technical standards that proscribe their communications. These new stakeholders are making new demands on the standardization processes, often with the rallying cry, "Open Standards." As is often the case, a rallying cry means many different things to different people. This paper explores the different requirements that the term open standards suggests. Perhaps when everyone agrees on what requirements open standards serve, it will be possible to achieve them.