.. to coordinate the standardization activities in the field of Information and Communications Technologies

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Consumer Requirements in ICT standardization - 2003
Inter-linking technology

Disclaimer: The "interim ICTSB response" is a collection of opinions which does not necessarily represent a consensus view of the ICTSB

Generic Consumer Requirements in ICT standardization extracted from the ANEC report	Interim ICTSB response
1. Open standards for wide range interoperability between IT-,	This is dealt with under converging technologies. The typical example is the multimedia home platform and related areas where broadcasting becomes a set of interactive services. In this area exists also a set of Codes of Practice which address the service providers and recommend how information should be presented in a consistent way, e.g. TV programme guides and teletext .
2. Common technical requirements for quality, performance and technical safety of ICT-, telecommunications and entertainment electronic equipment;	QoS standards are available or on its way including Internet or IP Services;Safety is commonly covered by CENELEC EN 60950;
3. Common standard solutions for free access of both service providers and clients (users) to new networks or services such as on-line services or digital broadcasting. This means standardized interfaces and encryption systems;	Standardization does not decide on what consumers can get for free.Standards are available, e.g. for DVB. Encryption is part of DVB and therefore standardized.Some interfaces for external devices are requested by regulation .
4. Compatible standard formats for new data storage media and equipment (e.g. DVD) irrespective of their purpose or area of operation;	They are compatible but not necessarily interoperable. Data format are different as they are used for different purposes or applications.
5. Standardized interfaces and buses for easy linking ICT equipment, entertainment electronic components and household appliances to telecommunications- or power supply networks for data exchange, telephony or remote control of technical processes at home;	A number of interfaces and buses exist as standardized or non-standardized solutions using cabled or wireless/cordless connections. ETSI TS 102 813 provides for the DVB IEEE 1394 Home Network Segment and ETSI TS 102 814 provides for the DVB Ethernet Home Network Segment. Standardization cannot bring a single technical solution die to the different characteristics needed and the enhanced requirements for new services and equipment.
6. Standardized cables and connectors marked with common and easily understandable symbols. Symbols must have been tested out with end users (consumers). Symbol names should be explained in the user manual or similar non-technical documentation;	Cables and connectors are standardized. Some may think that there are too many.Differences are caused by history but also necessary to cover the different characteristics which are required.It is also a permanent conflict in standardization with a limited number of technical solutions and the creation to cause technical barriers to trade. Symbols and names are standardized but may need completion from time to time.
7. Clear definitions of man-machine interfaces for the use of public and private services via ticketing and vending machines and public information terminals; including aspects such as accessibility, performance, and user information in respect of use by disabled persons;	This is dealt with by the ICTSB/DATSCG and individual ICTSB members but may not result in definite standards; guidance or code of practice should be sufficient.
8. User-friendly hardware and software: Components, systems and devices (including software), which allow or facilitate inter-linking, must be user-friendly without requiring technical knowledge. User-friendliness includes any user instructions or manuals or online help;	Guidance has been given by standardization.Doubt could be expressed whether modern ICT equipment and services could be used without any technical knowledge. Training is needed to make more consumers fit for the Information Society; but this is not standardization's core business.
9. New and revolutionary products, systems and services in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (e.g. Internet Telephony) shall be interoperable with existing solutions;	This is covered by ETSI's and their partners' work on IP-telephony. Note, IP-telephony is not necessarily the same as Internet telephony.
10. Access to illegal and indecent content: Standardized hardware and software 'features' have to be developed to prevent children and younger people gaining access to pornographic, violent or racist materials transmitted in any way;	This is mainly a legal problem. Technical features can help to filter-out. To characterize specific content is outside the scope of standardization.Parent control of TV sets is a common feature which has been introduced without specific standards.
11. Privacy and security: Common design and administration of technical components and services especially as part of open networks. Components and services must work together in such a way that a minimum of personal data, if any, is registered, processed and used by the specific service (the principle of 'data avoidance');	Privacy is regulated.CEN has an activity to help to apply legislation in the field of data protection .The ICTSB did not pursue this as an activity which needs ICTSB co-ordination.
12. Security infrastructure: Harmonized technical and organizational requirements for all elements of the security infrastructure (Trust Centres and approved bodies) for digital signatures to guarantee a high level of security, compatibility and interoperability within the system;	ICTSB/EESSI covers the eSignature. The services will come and may need additional standards.
13. Digital signatures: Strong requirements for the security and privacy of hard- and software components used for the purpose of digital signatures within Trust Centres and on the user's/consumer's side;	See #12
14. Encryption standards: Strong encryption standard codes for secure use of electronic commerce and other uses (e.g. medical prescriptions);	Encryption is an integral part of eBusiness standardization.
15. Standards should not force consumers to buy the same product for different purposes/systems;	Not well understood. Is there an example?
16. Where different system standards and non-compatible functionality exists for TV reception and video processing, multi-standard or multi-functionality TV sets and VCRs should be available on the market.	This is not a standardization issue.Anyway, these types of equipment are on the market. Multi-mode equipment in general is often required to deal with backward compatibility and regional peculiarities. These solutions have its price.