The OpenStand web presence is now archived.

Open Stand embraces principles for a modern paradigm for standards, where the economics of global markets, fueled by technological advancements, drive global deployment of standards regardless of their formal status.

Supported by the inaugural signatory organizations of IEEE, the Internet Society (ISOC), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Architecture Board (IAB), and W3C, hundreds more indicated their belief in these principles by signing as supporters.

The principles as a relevant framework for those interested in open standards and how they are developed continue to be available through this website, as well as articles highlighting examples of open standards use.

Thank you to the founding partners of OpenStand and to all who support the OpenStand paradigm.

OpenStand is a movement dedicated to promoting a proven set of principles that establish The Modern Paradigm for Standards. Through the principles, it encourages the development of market driven standards that are global and open—enabling standards without borders and driving innovation for the benefit of humanity.

After the launch of OpenStand on 29 August 2012, hundreds of proponents from industry, civil society, government and academia, as well as individual technologists and innovators expressed their support of the principles.

The OpenStand principles are based on the effective and efficient standardization processes that have made the Internet and Web the premiere platforms for innovation and borderless commerce and are extendable to other technologies. The principles stress voluntary adoption and empower the economies of global markets — fueled by technological innovation — to drive global standards deployment. The result is The Modern Paradigm for Standards.

OpenStand principles are a proven success. For example, IEEE standards for physical Internet connectivity, IETF standards for end-to-end global Internet interoperability, and W3C standards for the World Wide Web laid the foundation for the Internet and the World Wide Web.  They were developed within more open models that supported a voluntary approach to standards adoption.

This approach resulted in the advancement of cutting-edge technology based on merit, empowering the rapid, economical implementation of high-value, high-demand products and services. The application of open principles resulted in more widespread acceptance of new standards within the global marketplace and drove more rapid development of the Internet and World Wide Web. The results were unprecedented, fueling an economic and social transformation, and touching billions of lives. Collectively, these standards have changed the world, surpassing anything that has ever been achieved through any other standards development model.

We invite technologists, inventors, developers, professionals, scientists, engineers, architects, members of academia, students, civic and governmental leaders, developers and other professionals and organizations to stand with us as we promote a standards development model that demands:

  • cooperation among standards organizations;
  • adherence to due process, broad consensus, transparency, balance and openness in standards development;
  • commitment to technical merit, interoperability, competition, innovation and benefit to humanity;
  • availability of standards to all; and
  • voluntary adoption.

For more information, visit the FAQ page.

To stand with us, review the OpenStand principles. You may also download Site Badges for public display on your Web site.