Language Standards for Global Business© Berlin, Germany December 12-13, 2005

First Language Standards Summit a Huge Success
by Kim Harris. Originally appeared in GALAxy Newsletter Q1 2006

Outcomes of LSGB-Berlin Summit
by Don DePalma

Do Language Technology Standards Help or Hinder Global Businesses?

Businesses that process natural language text or media have seen the introduction of many new standards designed to increase efficiency, interoperability, and quality. However, the application and evolution of these standards does not always meet expectations.

This summit will explore which standards meet their objectives and which do not, and why. It will address the question of whether linguists, software developers, publishers, government agencies, and other communities have the same requirements, or whether standards bodies should target their objectives to different audiences. The objectivity and outreach of standards bodies may also be an issue for some constituencies. This conference will address some of these changes and define best practices for satisfying them.

This summit provides a forum for experts from standards organizations and user communities to sort through the many new standards and contrast requirements, and rank their effectiveness. Attendees will benefit from the analysis, and be able to apply it to the selection and employment of products and services used in their organizations. Those involved in developing standards will come away with a better understanding of the community needs and applications.

This two day event will offer a keynote presentation, plenary sessions, roundtable participation, break-out sessions, and open-microphone discussions.

Frank and open discussion of the process, specifications, proposals, and propagation of global business technology and language quality standards will be promoted by the thought leaders in attendance, including representatives from user communities, trade associations, and standards bodies.

The concluding action of the summit will be to consider a clearinghouse process for information about relevant standards, to increase awareness and understanding of the standards, to open up access to the processes of each group for setting standards, and to ensure increased transparency in these processes.

Summit Supporters