Delegates at the World Standards Cooperation (WSC) workshop agreed that futuristic, digitally connected home networks need an international standard by which to comply. Household connectivity is growing rapidly, with more and more electronic devices and remote networks that control lighting, heating, appliance use and security systems. Given the various technologies involved in such systems, international standards would enable interoperability and security, making the use of diverse products, services and sources possible, and accelerating market development. This was the consensus at the WSC, held February 2-3 in Geneva. The workshop was organized by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Representatives from more than 15 leading industry groups, along with representatives from 14 electronics manufacturers, 10 systems service providers, academics and standards bodies reviewed the current and likely future-state markets for the following:
• Digital service delivery
• In-home networking
• Content management
• Equipment management
• Best practices

Emphasis was placed on trends in broadband technologies and ways in which technology can offer nonintrusive remote monitoring of people with medical conditions.

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