Technology is obsessed with standards.
In communications, we have standards for networks, cables, all the operational parameters like voltage, power, time, etc. When you buy an 8 foot length of lumber, a pound of potatoes or are charged for a 10 minute phone call, you are dependent on the standards that define length, weight and time. There are lots more standards to consider in our everyday business. Those of us in technical businesses are especially dependent on the volt and ohm for electrical measurements and in fiber optics, optical power. But what would we do if not all pounds were the same.