Standards issues in data communications

The lack of development in standards and compatibility in the field of data communication and processing requires urgent attention. The author discusses the compatibility issues that arise from the introduction of packet-switching networks, which typify the growing interdependence of computer and communication technologies. Focusing on Canada as a case example, he examines issues relating to the compatibility between the communication services offered by different networks and communication functions used for distributed data processing, and also between the procedures employed to provide these services and functions.