What is a profile? [computer standards]
Severance, C.
Computer
Volume 28, Issue 9, Sep 1995 Page(s):66 -
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/2.410156
Summary:Discusses the value of profiles and how they differ from
standards. Profiles address the problem of computer standards not being
precisely designed to meet end-user needs. A standard's scope is
generally much narrower than an entire computer system. To support user
needs, a particular computer system may have to comply with many
individual standards. Several factors may limit the scope of each
standard. Moreover, no formal standards body requires that standards
completely address end-user needs. Finally, a standard's scope is often
reduced because an area originally covered by the standard does not have
sufficient consensus to be retained in that standard. A consensus-based
standard can be produced only in those areas that have sufficient
consensus. Profiles are specifications that formally capture an
organization's information technology needs. They are becoming a way to
map the middle ground between overall user needs and the standards
related to those needs. Profiles can be used to inventory an existing
computing strategy, support a computing procurement or drive the
evolution of an organization's computing strategy. Actually,
organizations have been developing profiles for many years. However,
they've gone by such names as procurement specifications, bid documents,
strategic plans or recommended practices. At a minimum, a profile
identifies user requirements and the standards or specifications that
meet those requirements. A profile may also include more details on an
organization's computing strategy
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