At the 2009 O’Reilly Media ETech Conference, IEEE-SA sponsored a fun, interactive seminar called "Redefining Standards for Emerging Technologies." Participants were encouraged to work together and share information as a way to examine who today's standards could be improved to address emerging technologies.

One of the ideas that came up during the session received the nickname of "Baby Standards" -- a possible alternative to traditional, full standards for emerging techs.

A "Baby Standard" would be a set of recommended practices, best practices and guidelines that could be developed with fewer resources and less time.

The Baby Standard could grow along with the technology and provide a framework for development. IEEE-SA would oversee and brand the process by providing resources for
technologists to share information through online discussions, brainstorming or other activities. IEEE-SA could even produce a "how-to" guide to help innovators better understand the standards development process and its applications in emerging technologies.

So what do you think? If you are working in emerging technologies, would "Baby Standards" appeal to you? What resources need to be available to people developing new technologies so they all work in synch? Since "Baby Standards" is just a nickname for the idea, what would you call them?

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this intriguing new idea!