Conformity and Interoperability Database to Support Purchasing of ICT Products, Increase Competition
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) yesterday announced measures that will give purchasers of ICT equipment a much clearer picture of its ability to inter-operate with other ICT devices.
The “conformity and interoperability programme” will revolve around a global database that will log products declaring conformity to ITU standards (ITU-T Recommendations). ITU expects market confidence in ICT products to increase.
The program will support well informed purchasing decisions for end users and has the potential to widen markets, increase competition and decrease costs.
Lack of conformity and interoperability of ICT equipment is a major concern, especially in developing countries. Addressing interoperability is one of the founding principles of the ITU.
The program will focus on training and the development of regional testing centers for developing countries as well. It will be voluntary and open to ITU members and non-members alike.
Research on how to implement a standards conformity and interoperability programme was initiated with the adoption of Resolution 76 at ITU’s World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-08). The latest session of ITU’s governing council (20-30 October, 2009) has now given the formal go-ahead.
Read the full press release.
Source: ITU
