The role of standards in network evolution

As the network evolves in the post divestiture environment, a smoothly functioning standards process will be essential to providing end users with high quality telecommunications services. The major factors supporting the need for standards in today's telecommunications industry structure are examined. Emphasis is placed on interface and performance standards as the key elements needed to provide a framework which assure compatibility and foster innovation. The challenge of the standardization process is that standards need to be implemented to meet today's demands yet be flexible enough to allow for tomorrow's advanced technology and services. The evolution of today's network to Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) with intelligent network capabilities, is supported by the work of a number of national and international standards forums.