This was in the interests of practicality, since a vendor could not be expected to adhere to standards that could not be described or cited. Moreover, the requirements could not refer to capabilities or features that required new technology, since the goal was to begin applying the standard in procurements as soon as the task force completed its work. The six chapters which follow describe the task force deliberations in each category of system software and tools discussed. Other elements had to be specified in terms of the functionality required or desired, with the understanding that vendors would probably implement them in distinctive ways. The rationale for these decisions is outlined in the text for each chapter.
Hyperlinks provide direct reference to the wording that was adopted in the final document.