Large, complex organizations are inhibited by the time and cost expended on integration. Selecting a single source is not always practical. In many markets we have seen a dramatic growth in market size when interoperability is delivered. Dramatic growth will occur in the IT market when interoperability is delivered by suppliers of Information Technology. The Challenge Interoperability of Information Technology is critical.
Standards alone are insufficient.
Assurance that products conform to standards and will interoperate is essential. In a global economy no single economic region of the world can act alone to ensure interoperability. The Open Group will strive to be the global certification authority for interoperability. The Open Group, a vendor and technology-neutral consortium, is committed to delivering greater business efficiency by bringing together buyers and suppliers of information technology to lower the time, cost and risks associated with integrating new technology across the enterprise. The Open Group's Mission is to offer all organizations concerned with open information infrastructures a forum where we can share knowledge, integrate open initiatives, and certify approved products and processes in a manner in which they continue to trust our impartiality.