Memorandum of Understanding on electronic business
(MoU/MG - Memorandum of Understanding/Management Group)
Full benefits for consumers, industry and government demand a coherent set of Information and Communication Technology standards which are:
- open
- interoperable
- internationally accepted
To this aim, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on electronic business in support of e-commerce has been signed by the four main organizations which develop international standards in this area: ISO, IEC, ITU, UN/ECE, with full participation from international user groups.
The MoU establishes a coordination mechanism under a unique cooperative model to produce mutually supportive standards required in business transactions (data interchange and interoperability) as well as products design and manufacturing to meet the urgent needs of both the industry and the end-users. Electronic business covers the information definition and exchange requirements within and between enterprises, including customers. Given that it provides the vital framework for e-commerce, it is intended that this MoU will support this rapidly changing and fast growing business sector.
The purpose of the MoU is to minimize the risk of divergent and competitive approaches to standardization, avoid duplication of efforts and avoid confusion amongst users.
The MoU is open to other international, regional, governmental, industry and consumer organizations whose core mission involves standards-setting.
The MoU vision is to offer the environment in which all key international organizations can cooperate and contribute to the delivery and
promotion of the evolving set of e-business standards, and maximize their contribution to global commerce
The objective of the MoU is to encourage interoperability by:
- recognizing the risk of divergent or conflicting approaches to standardization
- avoiding duplication of efforts and, therefore, confusion amongst users
- ensuring intersectoral coherence
More information may be obtained from the MoU site at :
http://www.itu.int/itu-t/e-business/mou/