Transport protocols can be analysed based on the Principle of Standardization, for the purpose of figuring out which cell/packet transport protocol is the best. If we put the levels of standardization in the descending order of influence it would be:

 

• Global. The most commonly used and socially accepted type of standard (best example – Ethernet). It is available in most applications, hardware, common like server and PC or uncommon like TV and VoIP handsets.
• Industry. The standard that is accepted by the industry and used in common area of it (best example – ATM interface). Unlike global standard, this interface is more specific, and cannot be found directly on computers, TVs and VoIP devices.
• Consortium. Such interfaces are even more specific for the individual companies that are attempting to join forces with others. It is not leading to global standard and will be implemented in very narrow area.
• Proprietary. When specific needs inside the company are met, new solution is being developed. It should be calculated in advance if it is worth implementing this very limited solution and not to stick to existing solution.

Lower you go in this list, the greater will be impact on the:

 

• Innovation. It is difficult to promote innovation if the technology is locked up in a single vendor’s proprietary relationship. In order to have access to the technology, researcher is required to buy in to the royalties of the solution.
• Cost. Initially, prices for newly developed or being in development technology are high, since technology is just being developed or just started. When the technology goes closer to global, the implementation and components cost drops.
• Competitive options. Competition is making the prices stabilize on the level appropriate for the market and for the consumers. More vendors are meaning more choices for the customer.
• Interoperability. Logically, if the technology goes global, more vendors are making devices and solutions that can work with each other. Unfortunately, in real life, it is common that devices from different manufactures that are claiming to follow same standards cannot interoperate.
• New VS Old. Leading edge technologies are developed in order to develop new standard by some company. Some of these technologies are just created in the attempt of investors capitalizing on a growing market segment.

It is obvious that technology that is more accessible would give greater flexibility for the systems operator. The development of newer standards should be focused on the global standards while not forgetting about new technologies that will be evolutioning and impacting current ones.