Standards: so many to choose from!

It's an old joke that gets trotted out at most standards meetings but the truth is that most bits of technology are the result of hundreds, if not thousands of supporting components and systems.  Just image how many technical standards must apply to something like the average family car once you've taken into consideration all the components.

The world of software is no less complex.  I just had a look at the UK government's survey on use of open standards: the number of standards is not only bewildering but when I got to the section on education I realized that it is clearly still only the tip of the iceberg.  And I didn't spot HR-XML, SIF or PESC to name just a few.

Those with an interest in UK public sector procurement might want to hop along to the survey website