The existential question posed by technical standards

The descriptive standard became constructive, then prescriptive, even imperative.

• Descriptive, the standard embodied an agreement established by a community of experts and users on the basis of long-proven specifications. The product, or even the service, existed prior to the standard.

• Constructively, the standard preceded product definition. This was the case with the CD. To avoid a standards war, Sony and Philipps, through the Red Book or Compact Disc Digital Audio (CDDA), defined the audio CD. Adopted by the Digital Audio Disc Commette, CD is standardized by IEC 60908. Until now, the application of a standard was ensured by the fact that it enshrined a product, a service or a common, proven usage.

  In this case, compliance with the standard is a total risk-taking exercise....