Dependability Standards: An International Cooperation

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide federation of standards bodies composed of National Committees in some 50 countries with more than 200 TCs (Technical Committees). TC56 is one of the IEC/TCs dedicated to the generic technical discipline on dependability. TC56 is involved in standardization in the field of availability performance (reliability, maintainability and maintenance support) to provide suppliers, buyers and users with systematic and cost-effective dependability based approaches, methods, and tools for appropriate assessment and risk management of technological products and systems. TC56 standards are developed by consensus with contributions from participating National Committees represented at TC56 International Standards forum which meets annually. These standards are used in major international contracts. They also serve as dependability project management and technical guidance to companies seeking global markets. The objective of this TC56 Panel Session at the 1998 RAMS is to bring together a group of international experts on dependability standards, to share ideas and experiences, and to present an outlook into the future concerning International Standards work on dependability. The issues, benefits and implications in doing business internationally with existing and upcoming dependability standards are addressed.