A fast-track standards process

The IEEE Portable Application Standards Committee (PASC), in cooperation with the IEEE Standards Department, will be trying a new fast-track process that would let us adopt a new standard in as little as six months. Normally, it takes IEEE standards committees from two to 10 years to adopt a standard. If the fast-track process trial is successful, other IEEE standards committees could adopt the procedure. The fast-track process includes all of the procedures used in the normal IEEE standards-adoption process, with two small exceptions. The fast-track method saves time by allowing some of the adoption procedure's steps to be undertaken at the same time, rather than in sequence, and by simplifying the procedure used for votes on proposed standards. The process would let us adopt standards more quickly, which would let vendors, users, and others reap the benefits of these standards sooner. The fast-track process is not suitable for many proposed standards. For example, it won't work for standards that are very complex or controversial, because they need more time for study and discussion. The process is best suited for small, stand-alone standards and amendments to standards. PASC wants to use the process for proposals that are backed by vendors, users, and others who would be affected. PASC would not sponsor a ballot for a standard when a competing version is being developed by another group.