5.2.3. Technical versus Terminology Standards

In the field of terminology, there are two different types of standards: technical standards, also known as specification standards, and terminology standards.

Technical Standards

Technical standards in terminology are like any other technical standard. They lay down the characteristics or commonly agreed-upon specifications of a terminological product, service, process or system.

Terminology Standards

Terminology standards, on the other hand, are like measurement standards in that they are considered fundamental standards. They specify the commonly agreed-upon vocabulary to be used in a standard or family of standards. Terminology standards, instead of giving the specifications for a product, service or process, specify the preferred terms along with the definitions (specifications of the term) to be used to ensure a common understanding of the key concepts in a given standard.

Terminology standards may stand on their own and take the form of a separate standard containing all the terms and definitions used in a family of related standards or they may be linked to a specific standard and be incorporated in a section within a technical standard.

Terminology standards are generally de jure standards, that is standards produced by a standardization or official body. They are the product of an open, well-organized standardization process based on formal production rules. They are equally accessible to all. De facto standards are those established by market share. Once a technology becomes dominant, it and its terminology become the de facto standard. For example, Microsoft Windows and its accompanying terminology are de facto standards.