IBM is real big on de facto standards. The world of computers has seen many standards emerge in recent years. Early on, tape formats standardized, thus enhancing interchange of data among various systems. Local area networks fueled the need for standards as each manufacturer found they needed to meet some level of compatibility or die. What an amazing world we now live in.
Standards are hard.
Unfortunately, they take longer. At any rate, while companies like IBM can create de facto standards just because they sell some substantial fraction of every computer in the world, that doesn't mean just anyone can. Let's all see how we can cooperate in the coming year and have just a few standards - a few good ones. UUCP Attribute the joke's source if at all possible. I will reply, mailers willing.