5 ms·
I used to work for a medical device manufacturer that had to comply with IEC 60601 (among others standards). Compliance with these standards was required by law
by nhebb 13y ago
I used to work for a medical device manufacturer that had to comply with IEC 60601 (among others standards). Compliance with these standards was required by law, but the IEC and ISO documentation was not free. However, the underlying principal is that by purchasing copies of the standards, companies are subsidizing the creation and maintenance of the safety standards. In short it's kind of regulatory fee.
I applaud Malamud's efforts for some of the documents he has made available, but since the DIN is not a government agency, this is basically like making a copy of the ISO 9000 standards available for free download.
- Zenst 13y agoOr you could view it as a monopoly with no competition. In effect it is a protection system. When viewed that way it is easy too see how people could become upset entering into these areas. With that it is easy to see how such articles get written in such styles on the internet or indeed tabloids as it is a formula of panic that has served media well for too long.
- Tomte 13y agoIt's not exactly a monopoly You can buy it from ANSI or BSI, as well. If you don't insist on the German language version (even then, the Austrians probably have another version). Remember those C and C++ PDF standards, that ANSI sold for $18, later $30, despite the competition selling for two hundred or whatever? But sure, it's not a really competitive market.