PESC is a responsive organization. Standards development is undertaken in response to interest from members and the educational and technical community at large. Prior to standards development, PESC convenes public Task Forces to identify and evaluate the requirement for a new standard. Task Forces are a great way to experience PESC for new members or those who are considering membership.

How Standards are Created

Data standards are traditionally set through three main methods:

• through product or service or vendor domination in a specific market, sector or network
• by mandate through a governmental or authoritative body, agency, statute, regulation or law
• through a voluntary, consensus-based approach with an open, transparent and collaborative process

A voluntary consensus-based approach to data standards has proven to be the most successful method. A groundbreaking report from the Delphi Group (Link) highlights the value of standards and key factors on community views and perceptions of standards bodies.

Organizing the Work

PESC organizes its efforts in 4 types of groups:

Task Forces:

Where standards requirements are identified and advanced prior to workgroup creation.

Workgroups:

Where standards are developed.

User Groups:

Where standards users meet.

PESC Committees

Member committees where quality is maintained, standards are approved and work is governed.