The Problem with Standards
Once again, Randall Munroe of XKCD has summarized a problem in a three panel cartoon better than WC can in ten paragraphs of technogeekery. So WC will simply post the cartoon without further comment.
Standards
It’s perfect.
As I used to say in my telecommunications systems engineering position: I love standards. There are so many to choose from!
richditch
February 23, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Sometimes you just have to admire the communist method.
Gov’t: Here’s the standard, you use this one or we hang you.
Businessman: Works for me, this one it is!
but in all seriousness, you would think that at some point businesses would get the idea that completely proprietary technology just doesn’t guarantee you the continued “invested” client base. That used to be a valid business model. But in today’s World it’s one of the main reasons behind the decline and ultimate demise of long standing businesses. From the utterly stupefying Kodak easyshare software, to Sony’s continued efforts to make sure their stereo and tv gear works with absolutely no other manufacturers’ equipment. Reality to engineers calling – you are not helping you’re situation at this point, you’re only slowing pi$$ing off your entire client base one at a time.
they are so afraid that, gee what if we’re compatible with our competition, then we’d actually have to beat them on quality, design AND price. Not to mention we’d be just another brand x. Guess what, you’re now seen as the only one that isn’t compatible with everyone else. see you later and good riddance.
Gee, now that I think about it, this conversation could be about far right ideologs as well…
mrderik
February 23, 2012 at 9:06 pm